Deinonychus is a genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 115 to 108 million years ago. The name Deinonychus means “terrible claw,” referring to the large, sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot, which was probably used to kill prey. Deinonychus had a large, elongated head with sharp, serrated teeth, as well as large, powerful hind legs and a long, stiff tail.

The animal was likely an active predator, hunting both small and large prey. Fossils of Deinonychus have been found in North America, and it is estimated that the dinosaur measured about 7 meters long and weighed about 1,000 kg. Deinonychus is considered to be a close relative of Velociraptor and the two species have many similarities in the skeletal structure.