A new species of marine reptile discovered by Mike Trask and his 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island in 1986 has been confirmed to be a distinct genus. The fossilized remains, measuring 12 meters long, were initially thought to be an elasmosaur but are now classified as Traskasaura sandrae, named after the late paleontologist.
Trask, who passed away last week, had always believed that his discovery was unique, and it has now been confirmed by researchers. The animal lived along the coast of British Columbia during the Cretaceous period, approximately 85 million years ago. It featured “heavy, sharp, robust teeth ideal for crushing,” according to experts.
The Traskasaura is the official provincial fossil emblem of British Columbia, named two years ago after a five-year recognition effort by paleontology enthusiasts. The discovery was made possible by Mike Trask’s twin brother Pat Trask, who curated natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre on Vancouver Island.
Pat Trask revealed that his brother knew about the official identification of the Traskasaura before he passed away. He showed him the announcement just days before his death, bringing a smile to Mike’s face. The recognition is a testament to Mike Trask’s legacy as a pioneering fossil hunter and paleontologist.
Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/11193278/ferocious-bc-marine-reptile-fossil-confirmed-new-genus