A New Marine Predator Discovered in British Columbia

A new marine reptile species has been discovered in British Columbia. This creature is part of the elasmosaur group, which lived in the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery was made possible by advanced deep-ocean technology and paleontology research. This new species, named Traskasaura sandrae, has been a mystery for a long time. It was finally identified after decades of study. The fossils of this creature were found in the Haslam Formation on Vancouver Island. This finding helps scientists understand more about the marine life that once thrived in the Pacific Northwest. The fossils of Traskasaura sandrae show a mix of features that are both old and new. This mix has puzzled scientists for a long time. The shoulder structure of this creature is unlike any other plesiosaur. This unique feature suggests that Traskasaura may have had a special role in its ecosystem. The unusual traits of this species make it an important piece in the puzzle of marine reptile evolution. The discovery of Traskasaura sandrae also challenges what scientists thought they knew about how plesiosaurs hunted. This creature was a long-necked predator, about 12 meters long. Its strong, sharp teeth were perfect for crushing hard prey, like ammonites. The way it hunted involved diving from above to catch its prey. This hunting style was not known in plesiosaurs from this region before. The story of Traskasaura sandrae is not just about science. It is also about community pride. The first fossils were found in 1988 by Michael and Heather Trask along the Puntledge River. Since then, more fossils have been found, including a juvenile skeleton. These finds have helped scientists describe the species in detail. In 2023, Traskasaura sandrae was named the official Provincial Fossil of British Columbia. This honor shows the importance of the fossil to both science and the local culture. The discovery of Traskasaura sandrae is a reminder that there is still much to learn about the past. Every new find adds to our understanding of the world and its history.