Pteranodons were large flying reptiles that lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago. They belonged to a group called pterosaurs, which are not dinosaurs but are closely related. Pteranodons had long wingspans, some reaching up to 33 feet, and were characterized by their distinctive crests on their heads, which varied in shape and size. These creatures primarily fed on fish, using their long, beak-like jaws to catch prey while gliding over water. Fossils of Pteranodon have been found in North America, particularly in areas that were once coastal environments. Their ability to soar through the skies made them effective hunters of marine life.