Latest news with #MikeTrask
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fierce-looking B.C. fossil officially identified as new genus
The large marine reptile that was named British Columbia's official fossil emblem two years ago has been identified as both a new species and part of a new genus. It's an emotional moment for the family of Mike Trask who found the fossil in 1988 and died on May 15, 2025, just before publication of the new findings. (May 23, 2025)
Epoch Times
24-05-2025
- Science
- Epoch Times
Fierce-Looking BC Fossil Confirmed as New Genus, Days After Death of Discoverer
Before British Columbia fossil hunter Mike Trask died last week, he knew that recognition of his biggest discovery would live on. Now it has been confirmed that the ferocious-looking marine reptile he found with his then 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island 37 years ago is a new species—and an entirely new genus. Trask died on May 15, eight days before the publication of the peer-reviewed findings in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology about Traskasaura sandrae, named in his honour. Heather Trask, who was with her father when they found the fossilized remains of the 12-metre long animal along the Puntledge River, died in 2023. 'That's his and his daughter's legacy,' said Mike Trask's twin brother, Pat Trask, curator of natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre on Vancouver Island, where the fossil and another example of the species are on display. His voice cracked as he noted: 'That's a big legacy. It's not his only attribute, but it's a good one.' Related Stories 3/26/2025 11/27/2024 The marine reptile was named British Columbia's official fossil emblem two years ago. It had previously identified as a type of elasmosaur, a group of plesiosaurs with extremely long necks. In the findings published Friday, researchers now describe the fossils that date back about 85 million years as the remains of 'a very odd new genus' of the plesiosaur family. 'Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia,' said F. Robin O'Keefe, lead author of the research report and a professor at Marshall University in West Virginia. 'However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared BC's provincial fossil in 2023. Our new research published today finally solves this mystery,' O'Keefe said in a news release ahead of the study's publication. Pat Trask said the fossils discovered by his brother sat on the ancient sea floor before being buried by sediment, and the amount of corrosion in the fossilization process meant experts had trouble confirming it was a unique genus, different from other elasmosaurs. He said his own 2020 discovery of a better preserved fossil of the same type of animal—also in the Courtenay-Comox area of Vancouver Island—helped researchers definitively confirm the new genus, now known as Traskasaura. Pat Trask said his brother always believed they had found a new type of the animal. 'We knew it was new, all that time,' Trask said. 'It's just the fact that we had to get science to agree. And after that second discovery, we had two really good specimens to base the scientific evidence on.' The Traskasaura is believed to have lived along the coast of B.C. dating back to the Cretaceous period, and researchers say the animal had a number of unique features including 'heavy, sharp, robust teeth ideal for crushing.' The addition of the animal to the provincial symbols list in 2023 came after a five-year recognition effort by paleontology enthusiasts. It joined other official provincial emblems such as the Pacific dogwood, Stellar's jay and the western red cedar. Pat Trask said his brother had known that official identification of the Traskasaura was coming before he died. 'He had some issues with his brain function at the end of his life, from lack of oxygen,' Pat Trask said, describing how he showed his brother the announcement confirming the identification, just before his death. 'But he understood that it was happening, and he was very grateful for that. He was very smiley, very happy.'
Global News
23-05-2025
- Science
- Global News
Ferocious-looking B.C. marine reptile fossil confirmed as new genus
Before British Columbia fossil hunter Mike Trask died last week, he knew that recognition of his biggest discovery would live on. Now it has been confirmed that the ferocious-looking marine reptile he found with his then 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island 37 years ago is a new species — and an entirely new genus. Trask died on May 15, eight days before the publication of the peer-reviewed findings in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology about Traskasaura sandrae, named in his honour. Heather Trask, who was with her father when they found the fossilized remains of the 12-metre long animal along the Puntledge River, died in 2023. 'That's his and his daughter's legacy,' said Mike Trask's twin brother, Pat Trask, curator of natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre on Vancouver Island, where the fossil and another example of the species are on display. Story continues below advertisement His voice cracked as he noted: 'That's a big legacy. It's not his only attribute, but it's a good one.' The marine reptile was named British Columbia's official fossil emblem two years ago. It had previously identified as a type of elasmosaur, a group of plesiosaurs with extremely long necks. In the findings published Friday, researchers now describe the fossils that date back about 85 million years as the remains of 'a very odd new genus' of the plesiosaur family. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia,' said F. Robin O'Keefe, lead author of the research report and a professor at Marshall University in West Virginia. 'However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared BC's provincial fossil in 2023. Our new research published today finally solves this mystery,' O'Keefe said in a news release ahead of the study's publication. 2:17 Footprints from armoured dinosaurs with tail clubs found in B.C. and Alberta Pat Trask said the fossils discovered by his brother sat on the ancient sea floor before being buried by sediment, and the amount of corrosion in the fossilization process meant experts had trouble confirming it was a unique genus, different from other elasmosaurs. Story continues below advertisement He said his own 2020 discovery of a better preserved fossil of the same type of animal — also in the Courtenay-Comox area of Vancouver Island — helped researchers definitively confirm the new genus, now known as Traskasaura. Pat Trask said his brother always believed they had found a new type of the animal. 'We knew it was new, all that time,' Trask said. 'It's just the fact that we had to get science to agree. And after that second discovery, we had two really good specimens to base the scientific evidence on.' The Traskasaura is believed to have lived along the coast of B.C. dating back to the Cretaceous period, and researchers say the animal had a number of unique features including 'heavy, sharp, robust teeth ideal for crushing.' The addition of the animal to the provincial symbols list in 2023 came after a five-year recognition effort by paleontology enthusiasts. It joined other official provincial emblems such as the Pacific dogwood, Stellar's jay and the western red cedar. 1:11 Researchers make dinosaur fossil discovery in northern B.C. Pat Trask said his brother had known that official identification of the Traskasaura was coming before he died. Story continues below advertisement 'He had some issues with his brain function at the end of his life, from lack of oxygen,' Pat Trask said, describing how he showed his brother the announcement confirming the identification, just before his death. 'But he understood that it was happening, and he was very grateful for that. He was very smiley, very happy.'
Vancouver Sun
23-05-2025
- Science
- Vancouver Sun
Fierce-looking B.C. fossil confirmed as new genus, days after death of discoverer
Before British Columbia fossil hunter Mike Trask died last week, he knew that recognition of his biggest discovery would live on. Now it has been confirmed that the ferocious-looking marine reptile he found with his then 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island 37 years ago is a new species — and an entirely new genus. Trask died on May 15, eight days before the publication of the peer-reviewed findings in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology about Traskasaura sandrae, named in his honour. He was 69. Heather Trask, who was with her father when they found the fossilized remains of the 12-metre long animal along the Puntledge River, died in 2023. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'That's his and his daughter's legacy,' said Mike Trask's twin brother, Pat Trask, curator of natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre on Vancouver Island, where the fossil and another example of the species are on display. His voice cracked as he noted: 'That's a big legacy. It's not his only attribute, but it's a good one.' The marine reptile was named British Columbia's official fossil emblem two years ago. It had previously identified as a type of elasmosaur, a group of plesiosaurs with extremely long necks. In the findings published Friday, researchers now describe the fossils that date back about 85 million years as the remains of 'a very odd new genus' of the plesiosaur family. 'Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia,' said F. Robin O'Keefe, lead author of the research report and a professor at Marshall University in West Virginia. 'However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared B.C.'s provincial fossil in 2023. Our new research published today finally solves this mystery,' O'Keefe said in a news release ahead of the study's publication. Pat Trask said the fossils discovered by his brother sat on the ancient sea floor before being buried by sediment, and the amount of corrosion in the fossilization process meant experts had trouble confirming it was a unique genus, different from other elasmosaurs. He said his own 2020 discovery of a better preserved fossil of the same type of animal — also in the Courtenay-Comox area of Vancouver Island — helped researchers definitively confirm the new genus, now known as Traskasaura. Pat Trask said his brother always believed they had found a new type of the animal. 'We knew it was new, all that time,' Trask said. 'It's just the fact that we had to get science to agree. And after that second discovery, we had two really good specimens to base the scientific evidence on.' The Traskasaura is believed to have lived along the coast of B.C. dating back to the Cretaceous period, and researchers say the animal had a number of unique features including 'heavy, sharp, robust teeth ideal for crushing.' The addition of the animal to the provincial symbols list in 2023 came after a five-year recognition effort by paleontology enthusiasts. It joined other official provincial emblems such as the Pacific dogwood, Steller's jay and the western red cedar. Pat Trask said his brother had known that official identification of the Traskasaura was coming before he died. 'He had some issues with his brain function at the end of his life, from lack of oxygen,' Pat Trask said, describing how he showed his brother the announcement confirming the identification, just before his death. 'But he understood that it was happening, and he was very grateful for that. He was very smiley, very happy.'
Toronto Sun
23-05-2025
- Science
- Toronto Sun
Fierce-looking B.C. fossil confirmed as new genus, days after death of discoverer
Published May 23, 2025 • 3 minute read British Columbia officially designated a large, fierce-looking marine reptile with a mouthful of pointy teeth that made its home about 80 million years ago in Vancouver Island waters as the province's official fossil emblem. A fossil of a Puntledge River elasmosaur is shown at the Museum and Palaeontology Centre in Courtenay, B.C., in this undated handout photo. Photo by Pat Trask / THE CANADIAN PRESS Before British Columbia fossil hunter Mike Trask died last week, he knew that recognition of his biggest discovery would live on. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Now it has been confirmed that the ferocious-looking marine reptile he found with his then 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island 37 years ago is a new species — and an entirely new genus. Trask died on May 15, eight days before the publication of the peer-reviewed findings in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology about Traskasaura sandrae, named in his honour. He was 69. Heather Trask, who was with her father when they found the fossilized remains of the 12-metre long animal along the Puntledge River, died in 2023. 'That's his and his daughter's legacy,' said Mike Trask's twin brother, Pat Trask, curator of natural history at the Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre on Vancouver Island, where the fossil and another example of the species are on display. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. His voice cracked as he noted: 'That's a big legacy. It's not his only attribute, but it's a good one.' The marine reptile was named British Columbia's official fossil emblem two years ago. It had previously identified as a type of elasmosaur, a group of plesiosaurs with extremely long necks. In the findings published Friday, researchers now describe the fossils that date back about 85 million years as the remains of 'a very odd new genus' of the plesiosaur family. 'Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia,' said F. Robin O'Keefe, lead author of the research report and a professor at Marshall University in West Virginia. 'However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared BC's provincial fossil in 2023. Our new research published today finally solves this mystery,' O'Keefe said in a news release ahead of the study's publication. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Pat Trask said the fossils discovered by his brother sat on the ancient sea floor before being buried by sediment, and the amount of corrosion in the fossilization process meant experts had trouble confirming it was a unique genus, different from other elasmosaurs. He said his own 2020 discovery of a better preserved fossil of the same type of animal — also in the Courtenay-Comox area of Vancouver Island — helped researchers definitively confirm the new genus, now known as Traskasaura. Pat Trask said his brother always believed they had found a new type of the animal. 'We knew it was new, all that time,' Trask said. 'It's just the fact that we had to get science to agree. And after that second discovery, we had two really good specimens to base the scientific evidence on.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Traskasaura is believed to have lived along the coast of B.C. dating back to the Cretaceous period, and researchers say the animal had a number of unique features including 'heavy, sharp, robust teeth ideal for crushing.' The addition of the animal to the provincial symbols list in 2023 came after a five-year recognition effort by paleontology enthusiasts. It joined other official provincial emblems such as the Pacific dogwood, Stellar's jay and the western red cedar. Pat Trask said his brother had known that official identification of the Traskasaura was coming before he died. 'He had some issues with his brain function at the end of his life, from lack of oxygen,' Pat Trask said, describing how he showed his brother the announcement confirming the identification, just before his death. 'But he understood that it was happening, and he was very grateful for that. He was very smiley, very happy.' Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls Editorial Cartoons Sunshine Girls
