Researchers identified ancient plesiosaur predator in British Columbia

Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of ancient marine predator, Traskasaura sandrae, believed to be one of the first plesiosaurs to hunt from above. This discovery sheds new light on the Late Cretaceous period. The fossils, found in 1988, revealed a unique elasmosaur with a mix of primitive and advanced traits. Its long neck and downward-opening shoulder structure suggest a hunting strategy of diving down to attack prey, a rare behavior for plesiosaurs. The discovery, now on display, offers insights into Cretaceous marine life. The species, named in honor of the discoverers and a cancer warrior, is the official fossil emblem of British Columbia.