The Hell Creek Formation is exposed widely over areas of North and South Dakota and Montana and is well known for its density of Triceratops specimens and because it is the only known location of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils. In addition, there are many other dinosaurs represented in the Hell Creek record, including Pachycephalosaurs, Hadrosaurs, and a number of mostly poorly known ‘raptors including the Oviraptor Chirostenotes.

Pretty Butte Paleontology specializes in Triceratops, Hadrosaur, ‘raptor, and Tyrannosaur individual fossil bones and teeth. Other specimens are offered when available – ask us about Triceratops skulls and about articulated skeletal material. Most specimens are mounted on custom crafted steel or wood-and-steel display stands and come with species and locality labels. All Pretty Butte Paleontology fossils are legally collected on private, deeded, land leased from local ranchers.

Preparation of our specimens begins in the field where we use the latest techniques and the best materials to conserve the fragile dinosaur fossils. In the lab, preparation involves use of hand and pneumatic tools and each specimen is finished by delicate abrasive blasting and then preservation with VINAC solution. Restoration is done where it does not interfere with the special features of the specimen; for example, we would never fill chew marks nor replace chewed out pieces of a bone. Further, our restoration is never concealed from the customer.

Want to see what it's like to dig for dinosaurs in North Dakota? Visit our Digging for Dinosaurs page.