CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Montana rancher's discovery could be a breakthrough for paleontologists studying dinosaur activity in North America.
Clayton Phipps said he was inspired to "hunt" dinosaurs about 15 years ago when a fellow rancher told him about the lucrative money he was able to make selling fossils he found on his property. Phipps told the TODAY show that he looks for new ways to earn cash while Montana deals with one of the worst droughts in history. That drought has driven up the cost of hay, making it almost impossible to keep his cattle fed.
"I thought, wait a minute, you went out and found a rock and you're gonna sell it for $500?" Phipps said. "I bet I could do that. And I started looking."
He's been featured on Discovery's "Dino Hunters" show, and one of his newest finds could give scientists their best look at how dinosaurs lived in North America before their extinction.
Phipps found it 15 years ago. Two full dinosaur skeletons, with a Tyrannosaurus Rex and triceratops locked in battle. After more than a decade in legal fights, these monsters have made their way to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. They aren't yet on display, but TODAY was given a special sneak peek before the public can see them.
Dr. Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the museum, says these 67-million-year-old fossils include the most complete T. Rex skeleton ever discovered in North America.
Back in Montana, Phipps continues the hunt for dinosaurs, as each passing winter means they're one day closer to complete extinction.
"We're saving another dinosaur from certain extinction," Phipps said.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.