The Sauropelta was a medium-sized armored dinosaur that lived in North America during the Early Cretaceous period, about 108 million years ago. This peaceful herbivore used its protective series of bony armor and spikes to defend itself from hungry predators.

The Sauropelta was named in 1970 based on fossil material from Wyoming and Montana. In 1984, paleontologist Kenneth Carpenter re-examined this and other material, leading to an accurate reconstruction of the skeleton and armor.

The scientific name is: Sauropelta edwardsorum.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized herbivore reaching 5 meters in length.
• Small head with a beak.
• Long tail.
• Walked on four legs.
• Five fingers on each hand.