Jorge Dichenberg wrote-
Seroiusly, the only reason why Deinonychus etc. were thought to be predators of large animals was that sickle claws were interpreted as particulary good slashing weapon. Now there is little reason to claim that they were efficent big-game predators. For this, go to carnosaurs.
Actually, it was because Deinonychus remains were associated with Tenontosaurus skeletons. It's always possible they were scavenging, of course.
Huh. Considering the recent posts on vultures and their needing entry into a carcass, a claw like this woould do nicely.
But - I wasn't going to post this, but I've weakened.
Those claws were for hanging upside down on branches. Like bats kinda...