Deinosuchus << DY nuh `soo` kuhs >> was a giant prehistoric crocodilian. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, gavials, and caimans. Deinosuchus lived from about 82 million to 75 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous Period. Its closest living relatives are alligators.
Deinosuchus grew to a length of 33 feet (10 meters) or more and weighed about 8,000 pounds (3,600 kilograms). Its body looked much like that of modern crocodilians. But Deinosuchus had a greatly thickened skull, likely to strengthen it against the struggles of large prey. Deinosuchus also had a bulbous (rounded) snout, with two small openings at its tip.
Paleontologists (scientists who study prehistoric life) have discovered fossils of Deinosuchus in North America. During the late Cretaceous Period, much of central North America was covered by a shallow sea. Deinosuchus lived in the wetlands on the edges of this sea. Young Deinosuchus probably ate small fish and insects. Adults ate a variety of large prey, including turtles and dinosaurs.
