Selection Criteria

To compile the list of the most dangerous dinosaur species, certain criteria were essential. Notably, herbivorous species were primarily omitted due to their instinctual avoidance of conflict. Therefore, the focus is on carnivorous dinosaurs. Additionally, the list spans various time periods rather than being restricted to a single era, allowing for a more comprehensive selection. The criteria also assessed each dinosaur's ability to inflict harm or kill other species based on factors such as size, bite strength, and defense mechanisms. While there may be some gaps in this assessment, it serves as a practical framework for identifying the deadliest dinosaurs.

The 10 Most Dangerous Dinosaurs

1. Velociraptor
   • Average Size: 1.5 feet (Height), 6.5 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 33 to 43.5 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (75 to 71 Million Years Ago)

The Velociraptor, a small yet formidable dromaeosaurid theropod, emerged during the Late Cretaceous Period, predominantly in present-day China and Mongolia. This feathered dinosaur was bipedal and distinguished by its prominent sickle-shaped claw and elongated skull. Researchers suggest that it hunted in packs, primarily targeting small prey such as lizards and small mammals.

How Dangerous Was the Velociraptor?

Despite its small stature, the Velociraptor was a vicious predator, thanks to its lethal claws and sharp teeth, capable of exerting a bite force of about 1,000 PSI—surpassing that of a modern grizzly bear.

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2. Mapusaurus
   • Average Size: 12.3 feet (Height), 38 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 6,600 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (97 to 93 Million Years Ago)

Mapusaurus, meaning "Earth Lizard," was a colossal carnivore that roamed what is now Argentina. This dinosaur was similar in size to the Giganotosaurus, with a muscular build and a remarkable speed of up to 30 miles per hour.

How Dangerous Was the Mapusaurus?

Possessing a formidable bite force of approximately 7,000 PSI, the Mapusaurus was equipped to overpower nearly any creature in its environment.

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3. Allosaurus
   • Average Size: 16.5 feet (Height), 28 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 3,100 to 4,400 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Jurassic (155 to 145 Million Years Ago)

The Allosaurus was a dominant predator of its time, known for its powerful build and ability to hunt in packs. It primarily preyed on large herbivores, and evidence suggests it might have also engaged in cannibalistic behavior.

How Dangerous Was the Allosaurus?

With around 32 serrated teeth and a bite force of approximately 1,500 PSI, the Allosaurus was a fearsome predator capable of inflicting severe damage.

4. Saurophaganax
   • Average Size: 13 feet (Height), 34 to 43 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 6,600 to 9,900 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Jurassic (151 Million Years Ago)

Known as the "Lord of Lizard-Eaters," Saurophaganax was a massive predator that likely hunted larger sauropods as well as smaller prey.

How Dangerous Was the Saurophaganax?

This dinosaur possessed a bite force exceeding 6,000 pounds, making it one of the most formidable predators of its era.

5. Giganotosaurus
   • Average Size: 16.6 to 18.3 feet (Height), 39 to 43 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 9,300 to 30,000 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (99.6 to 97 Million Years Ago)

Giganotosaurus was one of the largest land carnivores, primarily found in South America, with a bite force believed to exceed 8,000 pounds.

6. Majungasaurus
   • Average Size: 6 feet (Height), 23 to 26.2 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 2,400 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (70 to 66 Million Years Ago)

This species was known for its incredible bite force, surpassing that of modern crocodiles.

7. Carcharodontosaurus
   • Average Size: 13 feet (Height), 43 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 13,000 to 33,000 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (100 to 94 Million Years Ago)

Carcharodontosaurus was a massive predator with a bite force capable of exerting over 5,300 PSI.

8. Spinosaurus
   • Average Size: 18 feet (Height), 46 to 59 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 31,000 to 46,000 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (99 to 93.5 Million Years Ago)

Renowned as the largest terrestrial carnivore, Spinosaurus was equipped for both land and aquatic hunting.

9. Utahraptor
   • Average Size: 4.9 feet (Height), 16 to 23 feet (Length)
   • Average Weight: 1,500 pounds
   • Temporal Range: Early Cretaceous Period (139 to 134.6 Million Years Ago)

Utahraptor was noted for its intelligence and hunting strategies, often working in packs to capture prey.

10. Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Average Size: 12 feet (Height), 40 feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 11,000 to 19,000 pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (68 to 66 Million Years Ago)

The iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex, often dubbed the "King of Dinosaurs," possessed the most powerful bite force of any known land predator.

How Dangerous Was the Tyrannosaurus Rex?

With a jaw capable of exerting over 12,800 pounds of pressure, T-Rex was the ultimate apex predator, feared by all others.

Works Cited

• "Dinopedia." The Dinosaur Wiki. Accessed: 8 March 2022. Web.
• Padian, K. "Tyrannosaurus Rex." Encyclopedia Britannica. 25 August 2016. Web.
• Slawson, Larry. "The Tyrannosaurus Rex: Quick Facts." OwlCation. 2019.
• Slawson, Larry. "The Velociraptor: Quick Facts." OwlCation. 2020.
• "Utahraptor." Natural History Museum of Utah. Accessed: 7 March 2022. Web.
• "Velociraptor." Natural History Museum. Accessed: 8 March 2022. Web.