Variraptor is the first proof that the raptor family of dinosaurs lived in Europe . This was a swift hunter that seems to be related to North America 's Deinonychus . North America and Europe were connected until about 110 million years ago, which was about the middle of the Cretaceous Period. Scientists expect to find raptors in Europe that were similar to those that lived in North America .

The relationships and dispersal of the basal raptors has long been the topic of discussion. Some scientists feel that the raptor family originated in North America and spread to Asia and Europe . The discovery of Variraptor and Pyroraptor , another European dromaeosaur , support the North American origination theory.

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