A mysterious sea creature that once swam in the ancient waters of what is now British Columbia has finally been identified as a new species—and even a new genus—of marine reptile.
Named Traskasaura sandrae, this long-necked predator was about 12 meters long and lived around 85 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
This marine reptile belonged to a group called elasmosaurs—famous for their long necks and paddle-like limbs. But Traskasaura stood out as especially unusual.
It had strong, sharp teeth that were likely used to crush hard-shelled prey, such as ammonites, which were common in the region at the time.
Scientists believe it hunted in a unique way, diving down onto its prey from above.
The fossils of Traskasaura sandrae are not new to science. The first bones were found in 1988 along the Puntledge River on Vancouver Island by local residents Michael and Heather Trask.
Over the years, more fossils were uncovered, including parts of a young animal discovered in 2020.
Altogether, three individuals make up the fossil collection described in the new study, which was recently published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology.
These fossils have long fascinated both scientists and the public. In fact, before it was even properly identified, this mysterious sea creature was named the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia in 2023 after winning a public vote.
Now, thanks to new analysis by an international team of scientists from Canada, Chile, and the U.S., its true identity has finally been revealed.
Lead researcher Professor F. Robin O’Keefe of Marshall University, an expert in marine reptiles, said the fossils were difficult to classify at first because the animal had a strange mix of ancient and more modern traits.
Its shoulder bones were particularly unique—unlike anything seen in other plesiosaurs (the broader group to which elasmosaurs belong). It was only after the discovery of a new, well-preserved juvenile skeleton that scientists had enough evidence to confirm it was a completely new genus and species.
The name Traskasaura honors the Trask family who found the original fossil, while sandrae is in memory of Sandra Lee O’Keefe, a breast cancer warrior and wife of the lead author. The research team also acknowledged Elizabeth Nicholls, one of the first scientists to study the fossils in 2002.
With at least 50 bones in its neck, Traskasaura had impressive flexibility and range, likely helping it sneak up on prey. Its powerful downward swimming abilities suggest it hunted by plunging toward prey from above, possibly using its long neck to reach out quickly during an ambush.
Thanks to these new findings, British Columbia can now officially claim this fascinating and once-mysterious marine predator as its very own unique species from the age of dinosaurs.
The fossils are proudly displayed at The Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre, where they continue to inspire curiosity and awe.
Source: Taylor & Francis.
