Fossil Crocodile Tooth | Green River Formation | Wyoming
Borealosuchus wilsoni
Eocene (51.95 Million Years Ago)
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
In Stone Fossils Private Quarry
Tooth approx. size: 1.5"
Matrix approx. size: 9.5" x 10.5"
This crocodile tooth from the Green River Formation is a rare find. Despite a damaged tip, the tooth remains in excellent condition and its shiny, corrugated enamel is well preserved. The dark brown color of the tooth provides a striking contrast against the cream-colored matrix.
The most common crocodilian fossils found in the FBM are isolated teeth. Crocodilian species continually shed and replace their teeth, frequently breaking them off while feeding. Borealosuchus wilsoni belongs to a primitive crocodilian group and was neither true crocodile nor true alligator. It was part of a sister group to the group that contains both modern crocodiles and alligators. The largest Borealosuchus wilsoni specimen discovered from the FBM was about 15 feet long. Growth rings in Borealosuchus wilsoni fossil teeth indicate this species could grow as large as 16 feet long.