Archive · 28 May 2025
New Sea Monster Traskasaura sandrae Unearthed by Scientists
Imagine a long-necked sea monster from a time before dinosaurs!
Scientists have found the bones of a new type of ancient reptile, called Traskasaura sandrae, that lived millions of years ago.
This creature was about 40 feet long and had a super long neck made of many bones.
Its teeth were strong, like it was made for crushing shells.
They probably swam down from above to catch their food, possibly ammonites which are ancient shelled animals.
The first bones were found long ago, but it took a while to realize it was a completely new species.
Now, it is recognized as a special part of British Columbia's history!
Scientists discovered a new species of elasmosaur, named Traskasaura sandrae, which lived 85 million years ago.
The Traskasaura sandrae was around 12 meters long and had a neck composed of at least 50 bones.
Its features combine traits from both primitive and more evolved marine reptiles.
The reptile likely hunted by ambushing prey from above, and ammonites were likely part of its diet.
Fossils were discovered in 1988 but officially recognized as a new species in recent years.
- Who
- Scientists from Marshall University, Canada, and Chile.
- What
- The discovery of a new species of elasmosaur, named Traskasaura sandrae.
- When
- 85 million years ago; fossils discovered in 1988; officially identified in 2024.
- Where
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- Why
- To understand prehistoric marine life and evolution.
- Name
- Traskasaura sandrae
- Length
- 12 meters (39 feet)
- Neck Bone Count
- At least 50
- Diet
- Ammonites (likely)
- Discovery Year of First Specimen
- 1988
- Location of Discovery
- Vancouver Island, Canada