New Dinosaur Discovered in Texas: Two Groundbreaking Fossil Finds

TL;DR: Texas has produced two major dinosaur discoveries in recent years. In 2023, amateur fossil hunter Murray Cohen discovered Ampelognathus coheni near Lake Grapevine—the first new dinosaur species identified in Texas since 2010. Then in November 2025, UTEP researchers found Tenontosaurus fossils in West Texas, extending the known range of this species farther southwest than ever documented.

What New Dinosaur Was Discovered in Texas?

The most recent dinosaur discovery in Texas involves Tenontosaurus fossils found by University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) researchers in November 2025. Dr. Jason W. Ricketts discovered the fossil fragments at Indio Mountains Research Station near Van Horn while conducting unrelated geological fieldwork.

This discovery is significant because it extends the known geographic range of Tenontosaurus—a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous period (approximately 115 million years ago)—farther southwest than previously documented. Before this find, similar fossils were only known from Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and other parts of Texas.

But Texas's most exciting new dinosaur species is Ampelognathus coheni, identified by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in 2023.

Ampelognathus coheni: Texas's First New Species Since 2010

The Discovery

In October 2023, volunteer fossil hunter Murray Cohen was hiking near Lake Grapevine in North Texas when he spotted what he initially thought might be a small crocodile bone. He reported his find to paleontologists at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, who soon realized Cohen had discovered something far more significant: the first new dinosaur species identified in Texas since 2010.

The fossil—a mostly complete left jawbone measuring about two inches long—came from sedimentary rocks in the Lewisville Formation, dating back approximately 96 million years to the mid-Cretaceous period.

What Was Ampelognathus coheni?

Ampelognathus coheni (pronounced am-pell-og-NAY-thus koh-HEN-eye) was a small, plant-eating dinosaur about the size of a border collie. Paleontologists estimate it weighed between 20 and 60 pounds—roughly the size of a medium dog.

The name breaks down as:

• Ampelos = "grapevine" in ancient Greek (referencing where it was found)
• Gnathos = "jaw" in ancient Greek
• Coheni = honoring Murray Cohen, the volunteer who made the discovery

Scientific Significance

Ampelognathus coheni belongs to Ornithopoda, a diverse clade of herbivorous dinosaurs. Specifically, it's classified as the sister species to the group containing Thescelosaurus and Iguanodontia. This placement helps paleontologists better understand the evolutionary relationships within ornithopod dinosaurs.

The discovery team—paleontologists Ron Tykoski, Dori Contreras, and Christopher Noto from the Perot Museum—published their findings in late 2023, making Ampelognathus coheni an important addition to Texas's fossil record.

Tenontosaurus: Extending the Known Range in West Texas

The 2025 Discovery

Dr. Jason Ricketts wasn't even looking for dinosaurs when he found the Tenontosaurus fossils. He was studying rock formations at UTEP's Indio Mountains Research Station in Hudspeth County when he noticed bone fragments weathering out of soft shale.

"I wasn't out looking for fossils that day," Ricketts explained. "I was studying the rocks in the area when I noticed fragments weathering out of soft shale. There was no need to excavate—I simply picked them up."

His family even joined him to help collect the fossil fragments, which included the largest piece identified as part of a femur (leg bone).

What Was Tenontosaurus?

Tenontosaurus (meaning "sinew lizard") was a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 115 million years ago. These plant-eaters could grow up to 20 feet long and weighed around 1-2 tons.

Despite their size, Tenontosaurus were relatively slow-moving dinosaurs that likely traveled in herds for protection. They're often found associated with fossils of Deinonychus, suggesting these early raptors may have hunted Tenontosaurus in packs.

Why This Discovery Matters

Dinosaur fossil discoveries in West Texas are extremely rare—especially fossilized bones rather than just footprints. The Tenontosaurus find is significant because it demonstrates that this species had a much broader geographic range than previously thought.

"This discovery extends the known range of Tenontosaurus farther southwest than previously documented," Ricketts said. "Until now, fossils of this species were known primarily from localities farther north and east, such as Utah and Wyoming."

The discovery was detailed in a paper titled "An Ornithopod Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of West Texas," published by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Why Are Dinosaur Discoveries in Texas Significant?

Texas occupies a unique position in paleontology. During the Cretaceous period (145-66 million years ago), much of what is now Texas was covered by shallow seas. The state's geology preserves fossils from both marine environments and the coastal plains where dinosaurs roamed.

However, Texas dinosaur fossils—particularly from the mid-Cretaceous period—are relatively uncommon compared to other fossil-rich states like Montana or Utah. This makes each new discovery especially valuable for understanding:

• Dinosaur distribution patterns across ancient North America
• Environmental conditions during the Cretaceous period
• Evolutionary relationships between dinosaur species
• Ecosystem dynamics in ancient Texas

Both the Ampelognathus coheni and Tenontosaurus discoveries help fill important gaps in our understanding of what dinosaurs lived in Texas and how they adapted to the region's prehistoric environments.

What Makes These Texas Discoveries Special?

Amateur Contributions Matter

The Ampelognathus coheni discovery demonstrates the critical role amateur fossil hunters play in paleontology. Murray Cohen wasn't a professional scientist—he was simply someone passionate about fossils who knew to report his find to experts.

This discovery wouldn't have happened without Cohen's sharp eyes, curiosity, and willingness to reach out to the Perot Museum. It's a reminder that important scientific discoveries can come from anywhere.

Serendipitous Science

Dr. Ricketts's Tenontosaurus find shows that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're not specifically looking for them. He was studying rock formations for geological research when he stumbled upon fossils that would extend the known range of an entire dinosaur species.

"This discovery shows that there's still much to learn about our region's prehistoric past," Ricketts noted. "It's a privilege to contribute even a small piece to that bigger story."

Underexplored Territory

Both discoveries highlight how much of Texas remains underexplored for dinosaur fossils. West Texas, in particular, has extensive Cretaceous-age rock formations that could yield more discoveries—if researchers have the funding and time to search.

Other Notable Texas Dinosaur Discoveries

While Ampelognathus coheni is the first new species identified since 2010, Texas has a rich history of dinosaur discoveries:

Alamosaurus (2025)

In April 2025, Sul Ross State University students uncovered a massive Alamosaurus vertebra at Big Bend National Park. Alamosaurus was one of North America's last giant sauropods (long-necked dinosaurs), living during the Late Cretaceous period about 69 million years ago.

The vertebra discovery at Big Bend adds to our understanding of where these enormous herbivores lived in the final years before the asteroid impact that ended the age of dinosaurs.

Paluxysaurus jonesi

Discovered in the 1990s and officially named in 2007, Paluxysaurus jonesi is one of Texas's most complete sauropod dinosaur fossils. Found in Hood County in north-central Texas, this 60-foot-long plant-eater lived approximately 112 million years ago.

Paluxysaurus is now the official state dinosaur of Texas—a fitting honor for one of the largest dinosaurs ever found in the state.

Acrocanthosaurus

This massive theropod (meat-eating dinosaur) is known from several Texas fossil sites. Acrocanthosaurus grew up to 38 feet long and weighed around 6 tons, making it one of the largest predators in Early Cretaceous North America.

The distinctive tall spines on its vertebrae gave Acrocanthosaurus its name, which means "high-spined lizard."

What's Next for Texas Paleontology?

Both Dr. Ricketts and the Perot Museum team emphasize that their discoveries likely represent just the beginning. Texas has vast areas with Cretaceous-age rock formations that remain unexplored for fossils.

Challenges

Texas paleontology faces several obstacles:

• Limited funding for systematic fossil surveys
• Private land ownership making access difficult
• Harsh desert conditions in fossil-rich areas
• Limited public awareness of Texas's dinosaur heritage

Opportunities

Despite these challenges, Texas offers tremendous potential:

• Extensive Cretaceous formations across the state
• Diverse ancient environments preserved in the rock record
• Active amateur fossil hunting community eager to contribute
• World-class museums like the Perot Museum to study discoveries

As Dr. Liz Walsh, interim dean of UTEP's College of Science, noted: "This find highlights the importance of fieldwork and the role of dedicated researchers in uncovering new chapters of Earth's history. It's also a reminder that major discoveries can happen when we least expect them."

How Can You Contribute to Dinosaur Discoveries?

Inspired by Murray Cohen's story? Here's how you can get involved:

1. Learn to Recognize Fossils

Take a class or workshop on fossil identification. Many natural history museums and universities offer programs for amateur paleontologists.

2. Know What to Do If You Find Something

If you discover what might be a fossil:

• Don't excavate it yourself
• Note the exact location (GPS coordinates if possible)
• Take photos without disturbing it
• Contact local experts (university paleontology departments or natural history museums)

3. Join Fossil Hunting Groups

Many states have amateur paleontological societies where enthusiasts share finds, learn identification skills, and participate in organized digs.

4. Respect the Law

Remember that fossil collecting rules vary:

• Public lands often prohibit fossil collection without permits
• Private lands require landowner permission
• Vertebrate fossils (dinosaurs, mammals, etc.) have stricter protections than invertebrates

When in doubt, look but don't collect—and always report significant finds to scientists.

Conclusion: Texas's Dinosaur Legacy Continues

The discoveries of Ampelognathus coheni and the West Texas Tenontosaurus fossils prove that Texas still has dinosaur secrets waiting to be uncovered. From amateur fossil hunters to professional paleontologists, people across the state are contributing to our understanding of the incredible creatures that roamed Texas more than 65 million years ago.

These aren't just scientific curiosities—they're windows into lost worlds, helping us understand how life evolved, adapted, and ultimately survived (or didn't) through dramatic environmental changes. Every new fossil discovery adds another piece to that puzzle.

Who knows? The next groundbreaking dinosaur discovery in Texas might come from someone reading this article. Keep your eyes open, stay curious, and if you spot something unusual weathering out of Texas rock, you might just make history.

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