A Unique Sea Monster from the Age of Dinosaurs

In the vast ocean that once covered parts of Vancouver Island, a peculiar marine reptile swam around 85 million years ago. This creature, part of the elasmosaur family, had a mix of ancient and advanced features. It was a true oddity among its kin. Scientists have now given this creature a name: Traskasaura sandrae. The discovery of Traskasaura sandrae began in 2002, when the first fossil was found in the Haslam Formation. Since then, more bones have been unearthed, including a nearly complete skeleton of a young specimen. This has allowed researchers to confirm that Traskasaura sandrae is a new genus and species of elasmosaur. Its unique blend of features makes it stand out. The jaw and neck resemble older elasmosaurs, while the shoulders and flippers are more modern. It’s like finding an old car with a cutting-edge dashboard. The journey to naming this creature has been long. The first fossil was found in 1988 by Michael and Heather Trask. Two more fossils were later recovered from the same area. The original fossil was described in 2002, but it wasn’t immediately classified as a new genus. The evidence wasn’t clear enough. However, the discovery of a well-preserved juvenile skeleton changed that. This new find gave scientists the confidence to identify and officially name the genus and species. Traskasaura sandrae was a formidable predator. It measured around 12 meters in length and had a neck made up of at least 50 bones. Its teeth were sharp, strong, and thick, perfect for crushing prey. Researchers believe it had a unique hunting behavior, descending from above to ambush its prey. Ammonites, shell-covered marine animals, were likely on its menu. Its robust teeth were ideal for crushing ammonite shells. The genus name Traskasaura honors the discoverers, Michael and Heather Trask. The species name sandrae pays tribute to Sandra Lee O’Keefe, who fought bravely against breast cancer. The fossils gained wider fame in 2018 when they were selected as the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia. They now reside on public display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre. Traskasaura sandrae brings a long-standing mystery to an end. After decades of uncertainty, this ancient sea creature finally has a name, a story, and a place in the prehistoric spotlight. It gives British Columbia a marine reptile it can truly call its own. The full study was published in the journal Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.