I respectfully disagree with Brad Plumer as regards this latest bit of research on Velociraptor hunting techniques. A group of scientists have figured out what that nasty claw on Velociraptor's foot was for:

[Lead scientist Phil] Manning suggests Velociraptor used its climbing ability to perch in trees and pounce on prey from above, with its claws puncturing the skin so it could cling to its victim's body while biting and subduing it.

Death from Above, Raptor-style? Are you kidding me? That's the stuff of nightmares, baby. That said, if the below conceptual drawing is what they really looked like? Maybe I'd reconsider.


Apparently, it's well known that they were small and had feathers. Still, Death from Above Rulez!

Labels: wildlife