Arkansaurus fridayi: Arkansas’ Very Own Dinosaur
Arkansaurus fridayi, the proud state dinosaur of Arkansas! Discovered in a gravel pit in Lockesburg in the early 1970s, this unique theropod holds a special place in the heart—and history—of the Natural State.
Roughly 113 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period, Arkansaurus fridayi roamed the floodplains of what is now southwestern Arkansas. Though only a partial fossil—primarily a fossilized foot—has been found, it’s enough to reveal a swift, bird-like creature, likely an agile predator or omnivore, with powerful legs and keen senses.
The fossil was unearthed in 1972 by local resident Joe B. Friday, whose name is now forever linked with Arkansas’ prehistoric past. For decades, the specimen remained largely unknown, until paleontologists revisited the find and confirmed its significance.
On February 17, 2017 Arkansas Bill HCR1003 was approved to designate The Arkansaurus Fridayi as The Official State Dinosaur.
While no complete skeleton has been uncovered, scientists believe Arkansaurus was a small, fast-running dinosaur—possibly related to ornithomimosaurs, often called “ostrich dinosaurs.” Its lightweight build suggests it relied on speed and agility to hunt or forage, making it one of the swift runners of its time.
Want to see the fossil that started it all? The original bones of Arkansaurus fridayi are housed at the University of Arkansas Museum Collections.
Fun Fact: Arkansaurus means “Arkansas lizard,” and is the only dinosaur species known exclusively from Arkansas. It’s a reminder that even the most unexpected places can uncover earth-shaking secrets.