British Theropod Dinosaur Footprint, Late Jurassic, Scalby fm, Burniston Bay, North Yorkshire, UK

This authentic dinosaur footprint preserves a tridactyl (three-toed) track left by a bipedal theropod dinosaur during the Late Jurassic, when much of what is now North Yorkshire consisted of coastal lagoons, tidal flats, and river margins.

The footprint displays clear morphology, with a particularly engaging combination of raised and depressed relief: one toe and claw preserved in slight positive relief, while the remaining toes and claws form well-defined impressions within the limestone matrix. This mixed preservation enhances the three-dimensional character of the track and provides an excellent visual representation of theropod locomotion and weight distribution.   

The fossil preserves particularly striking claw morphology, most clearly expressed on two of the three toes, where sharply defined claw impressions and corresponding natural casts are visible within the matrix. These features give the track exceptional anatomical clarity, capturing the moment a theropod dinosaurs claws engaged with soft Jurassic sediment and conveying a rare, tactile sense of the animal’s presence and movement.

Footprints from Burniston Bay are particularly sought after due to the site’s well-documented Jurassic track-bearing strata and the increasing scarcity of legally and responsibly collected examples. This specimen retains clear provenance, including find location and date, making it an excellent addition to a private collection, educational display, or cabinet of natural history.

The footprint has been carefully prepared and lightly highlighted using fully reversible, museum-grade methods to bring out the print while preserving the specimen’s natural, authentic appearance and integrity. Under angled light, the anatomical details read clearly due to the exceptional preservation. 

Specimen Details

• Specimen: Theropod dinosaur footprint (tridactyl track)

 • Geological Period: Late Jurassic (~160–150 million years ago)

• Formation: Scalby Formation

• Locality: Burniston Bay, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

• Date Found: 24 September 2024

• Dimensions: Matrix: 200 × 140 × 40 mm,  Footprint Length: 85 mm

• Condition: Natural limestone matrix is stable and well preserved. Subtle, reversible museum-style enhancement to aid visibility.