
Meet Traskasaura: The Newest Predator of the Ancient Seas!
2025-05-23
Author: Jacques
In an awe-inspiring revelation from British Columbia, a fierce marine reptile discovered 37 years ago has officially been recognized as a brand-new species and genus, Traskasaura sandrae, named in homage to its discoverer, Mike Trask.
Mike, who passed away just days before this monumental announcement, unearthed the remains of this extraordinary creature with his daughter along Vancouver Island's Puntledge River when she was just twelve years old. Tragically, Heather Trask also passed away earlier this year, making their joint discovery an enduring family legacy.
"That’s his and his daughter’s legacy," remarked Pat Trask, Mike's twin brother and curator at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre where the fossil is currently displayed. "It’s a remarkable contribution; he always believed they had found something unique."
Initially classified as an elasmosaur, this remarkable marine reptile was designated as British Columbia's official fossil in 2023. But new research, published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, reveals that this creature is a distinct and peculiar member of the plesiosaur family, showcasing features that have puzzled experts for decades.
F. Robin O’Keefe, the lead author of the study, shed light on the significance of this discovery: "While plesiosaur fossils have been known in BC for years, the identity of the animal remained a tantalizing mystery. Our research has finally cracked this case!"
Pat Trask added that the fossilization process posed challenges; sediment covering the ancient ocean floor obscured the specimen’s uniqueness. However, his own fortuitous discovery of a well-preserved Traskasaura specimen provided concrete evidence needed for the classification.
This impressive creature thrived during the Cretaceous period, boasting heavy, sharp teeth specially adapted for crushing prey. The effort to gain official recognition for Traskasaura as a provincial symbol culminated in a five-year campaign by paleontology enthusiasts—the reptile now proudly stands alongside BC’s other symbols like the Pacific dogwood and the Stellar’s jay.
Before his passing, Mike Trask was aware of the impending acknowledgment of his remarkable find. According to Pat, Mike, although facing health challenges, expressed immense happiness upon seeing the confirmation of Traskasaura’s identification.
With Traskasaura entering the spotlight, its legacy promises to inspire future generations of fossil hunters and paleontologists alike, honoring the bond between a father and daughter through their incredible discovery.