ABOUT
Wilson Lake, located in what was once part of Hell Creek. Uploaded by Wikimedia Commons user FUBAR007.
Who is Spike?
‘Spike’ is a 68 million-year-old fossilized dinosaur that was discovered in the Hell Creek formation three years ago. They're a large caenagnathid, a relative of the Mongolian dinosaur Oviraptor and another Hell Creek resident, Anzu.
Almost 100 of Spike's bones were preserved, and many elements of their skeleton suggest that they may be a brand-new species that's never been described or observed by paleontologists.
But their time is running out.
What's wrong?
On December 11, 2025, Spike will be auctioned by Christie’s, an auction house specializing in art and luxury goods. Their bones will go to the highest bidder, regardless of whether or not they actually care about science.
If the buyer chooses to keep Spike as a display object, they will no longer be available for paleontologists to study, as papers cannot be published about fossils held in private collections.
What can we do?
Raise awareness: Tell your friends and family about private fossil collecting, or, if you want to give starting a trend a try, post about it on your social media platform of choice with the hashtag #SaveSpike!
Speak up: Contact Christie’s via email at info@christies.com, or by phone at +44 (0) 207-839-9060 and tell them that you oppose the auctioning of Spike. You can also contact the Science & Natural History department head, James Hyslop, at +44 (0) 20 7752 3205 or jhyslop@christies.com
Support: Donate to organizations that support open access to fossils & artifacts, such as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Want to write an e-mail, but you're not sure what to say?Here's a handy copy-able template!
[Greeting],
My name is [name], and I'm writing to oppose the auctioning of Spike the caenagnathid. If Spike is sold to a private buyer, as was the case for several other fossil specimens, then the right to allow research this incredible specimen will be left in the hands of a single person. This isn't a choice that should be left to the highest bidder; fossils of great scientific interest like this one should be for everyone.
I strongly urge you to reconsider the sale of Spike, and to consider a private sale or donation to a research institute.
Sincerely,
[name]