Looking Back: The Lost Ichthyosaur - Fernatator Prenticei
A rare ichthyosaur fossil discovered near Fernie, British Columbia, in 1916 has recently undergone an in-depth scientific study. The specimen, known as Fernatator Prenticei, spent over a century in storage before being analyzed by leading experts in marine reptile evolution.
Why it matters
The study of this specimen provides valuable insights into the biomechanics and ecology of Mesozoic marine reptiles, highlighting the importance of preserving historical fossil discoveries.
Some years back a paleontologist from the Phil Currie Institute in Wembley, Alberta called me with a question. Holy cow, little ole me? It seems my name came up a couple times with regard to dinosaur footprints, fossils and such. His question was, “Was I aware of any other dinosaur bone discoveries in the Rocky Mountains per se, other than the ichthyosaur discovered near Fernie in 1916.
Crowsnest Pass Coal Company officials at discovery site - John Kinnear Photo
My answer was no and he then informed me that there had been no other bone finds in the Rocky Mountains that has ever been recorded so far. And if I was to ever encounter any of this evidence I was to contact him.
Wow! Apparently in the Foothills you can get discoveries like Black Beauty, but not in the Rockies themselves. That was pretty surprising.
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