Velociraptor mongoliensis lived in what is now Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous, around 75 million years ago. The region received little rainfall and was shaped by strong seasonal contrasts, including cooler periods, dust storms, and prolonged environmental stress.

Geological evidence from formations such as the Djadokhta and Barun Goyot shows that this part of Asia experienced strong seasonal extremes. The rocks are rich in wind-blown sands, ancient dune deposits, and layers formed during short but intense wet periods. Together, these features point to a landscape shaped by wind and short wet periods rather than a stable, warm climate.

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During colder parts of the year, lower temperatures would have slowed plant growth and likely reduced the number of insects and small animals available as food. Strong winds across open terrain increased heat loss, making it harder for animals to maintain body temperature. Smaller animals were especially vulnerable because their bodies lost heat quickly, forcing them to burn more energy simply to stay warm.

Fossils preserve quill knobs on Velociraptor’s forearm bones, from a specimen discovered in Mongolia in 1998 and formally documented in 2007, showing that it carried large feathers similar to those seen in modern birds. Although it could not fly, these feathers likely helped regulate body temperature, improving its chances of surviving seasonal cold and environmental stress.

Velociraptor was far smaller than its movie portrayals. Adults measured about 2 meters long, roughly 6.5 feet, and weighed only 15 to 20 kilograms, around 33 to 44 pounds. At this size, it lacked the thermal advantage enjoyed by much larger predators, which retain heat more easily due to body mass alone.

The prey animals Velociraptor hunted, such as small dinosaurs, lizards, and early mammals, would have been harder to find during colder months. This likely pushed Velociraptor to be an opportunistic hunter. Instead of constant pursuit, it probably relied on ambush, short bursts of speed, and efficient energy use. The famous sickle-shaped claw on its second toe was well-suited for gripping and restraining prey quickly rather than prolonged chases.

There is no evidence that Velociraptor hunted in coordinated packs like wolves. Fossil sites where multiple individuals are found together are usually explained by environmental processes, such as animals being buried by the same events, rather than by social behavior. Survival was most likely an individual struggle, not something achieved through group hunting or cooperation.

Seasonal stress also helps explain why Velociraptor relied so heavily on its senses. The shape of its skull shows relatively large eye openings, which may have helped it gather more light in dim conditions. The inner ear, which controls balance and head movement, was also well developed, allowing the animal to keep its head and eyes steady while walking, running, or turning quickly.

Did You Know? The name Velociraptor means “swift thief,” a reference to how scientists originally envisioned its predatory behavior when the species was named in 1924.