Family hiking trip leads to extraordinary discovery of a rare "Teen" rex fossil

When families go on hiking trips, they usually expect to enjoy breathtaking scenery and the thrill of the journey. However, for one family exploring the rugged terrain of the Badlands in North Dakota in 2022, their hike turned into an extraordinary discovery. Sam Fisher, accompanied by his two sons, Jessin and Liam, along with their cousin Kaiden Madsen, stumbled upon something that would leave the scientific community in awe—a rare juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil.

The incredible find was first reported by My Modern Met and later confirmed by a press release from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on June 4. According to Fisher, their discovery started like any other hike, filled with curiosity and the hope of finding cool rocks or interesting wildlife. But this time, what they found was far more significant. "You just never know what you are going to find out there," Fisher shared with PEOPLE.

While the family was amazed by their find, they approached the situation with caution. Fisher immediately sent a picture of the fossil to Dr. Tyler Lyson, a paleontologist and an old high school classmate of his. Dr. Lyson, who is also a curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, recognized the significance of the find and set the wheels in motion for a full excavation.

The following summer, Dr. Lyson returned to the site with the Fisher family and a team of experts to carefully excavate the fossil. What they unearthed was a teenage Tyrannosaurus rex, affectionately nicknamed "Teen Rex." The fossil was estimated to belong to a dinosaur that was between 12 and 14 years old at the time of its death. Measuring about 25 feet in length and weighing around 3,500 pounds, the "Teen Rex" was roughly half the size of a fully grown adult T. rex.

Liam Fisher, one of the young discoverers, vividly recalled the moment they spotted the fossil. "I went up to a ledge with my dad, and then he and I spotted the bones," he said. They quickly called over Jessin and Kaiden, and Jessin immediately recognized the significance of their find. "That's a dinosaur," he exclaimed, noting the size of the bones compared to those of buffalo and cows he'd seen before.

Dr. Lyson praised the boys for their keen observation skills and passion for exploration. "By going outside and embracing their passions and the thrill of discovery, these boys have made an incredible dinosaur discovery that advances science and deepens our understanding of the natural world," he said. The find not only marks a significant moment for paleontology but also serves as an inspiration for others to engage with the natural world.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has since announced that the fossil will be featured in a temporary exhibition titled "Discovering Teen Rex," which opened on June 21. The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the fossil up close and learn about its significance. In addition to the fossil display, the museum is screening a 40-minute documentary titled "T. Rex" to provide a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Dr. Lyson expressed his excitement about the impact the exhibition could have on visitors. "I'm excited for museum guests to dig into the 'Teen Rex Discovery' experience, which I think will inspire the imagination and wonder, not only in our community but around the world," he shared. The museum has also emphasized that the exhibition will play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers. The "Discovering Teen Rex" experience will enhance educational programs at the museum, featuring a variety of dinosaur fossils, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, as well as a preparation lab where visitors can observe ongoing fossil work.

For the Fisher family, what began as a simple hike became a moment of historic significance, reminding us all of the wonders that lie hidden just beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.

This article was originally published on August 28, 2024. It has since been updated.