Discovery of a rare fossil in Manitoba, a marine predator of 80 million years

During a simple visit to his grandfather in Manitoba, the young Texan Walter Campbell made an extraordinary discovery: the fossilized remains of a mosasaur, a formidable prehistoric sea reptile. Furthermore, This find fascinates paleontologists and revives the old seas of Canadian meadows.

Unexpected discovery in meadows – Discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine

It all starts with an excursion of excavations in southern Manitoba. Consequently, Walter Campbell, 14, identifies sharp fragments that emerge from the soil.

By digging about 15 centimeters deep. Furthermore, I hit something hard. However, I called the site manager and he said to me, “What is that? Similarly, I think it’s a skull of Mosasaurus.” I was really surprised.

Experts quickly confirm that it is discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine indeed a mosasaur. In addition, a predatory marine reptile that swam in the interior seas about 80 million years ago.

A named creature Walt – Discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine

The fossil is baptized Walt In tribute to Walter. Nevertheless, We always attribute an informal name to each specimen found. Nevertheless, and there, there was no doubt: our new mosasaur was called Waltindicates the director general of the Canadian Fossil Discovery Center, Adolfo Cuetara.

It is Walter’s grandfather, Dave Stobbe, who would have spontaneously launched this nickname at the time of discovery. For example, It was a bit improvised but very excitingadd Walter.

Now. Similarly, I have a solid proof to show everyone at school: I really unearthed a mosasaur and it bears my name.

This is probably one of the most exciting moments in discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine your lifesaid her mother, Angela. Yes … finally, after my birth, maybehe replied, laughing.

A search between generations

Walter. his family, from Lorena, in Texas, were visiting his grandfather Dave Stobbe discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine in June. The latter had bought tickets for a guided excavation exit.

Curious by nature and interested in science, Walter could have invited his father or mother … But it was ultimately his grandfather that he chose.

And he chose me. I must admit that I was not really enthusiastic: on my knees in the earth, in full sun … frankly, I dragged my feet a little. But he was really due to what I come. And I can tell you one thing: it was an incredible day.

Since this exit, other parts of the skeleton have been uncovered: vertebrae, members, hip and bone of the skull.

Below the surface. a paleontological treasure

The site, managed by discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre In Morden, 100 km southwest of Winnipeg, is a rich land of the upper Cretaceous.

The fossils rest under 13 layers of sediment and bentonite, a clay formed by volcanic ash.

About 80 million years ago, Manitoba was completely overwhelmedexplains Bruno Costa, doctoral student in paleontology at the University of Manitoba.

It was a lush marine environment, perfect for these animals. Imagine a real ocean at least 90 meters deep … This is where Walt Mosasaur was lived.

Gerry Peters, field technician, remembers: It is almost more an art than a science. I couldn’t really explain it … We develop a kind of flair.

It was this flair that guided him towards the area where Walter and his grandfather were digging. And there, everyone has excited, as always in discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine these cases. To see children getting a fossil from the earth … their eyes shine is magic.

Bruce. local legend

Analyzes are underway to precisely identify the species to which discovery rare fossil manitoba, marine Walt belongs among the three types of mosasaurs present in the region.

However. it is not a giant like Bruce, the star specimen of the center: this Tylosaurus of more than 13 meters was discovered in 1974 and was registered in the Guinness Record Book Like the largest mosasaur exposed to the public.

This does not detract from the emotion of the discovery. You can spend money on all kinds of activities with your grandchildren: go see a Winnipeg jets. go to Disney Worldconcludes Dave Stobbe.

But there. just behind my house, I was able to live a whole live experience, supervised by paleontologists, with my grandson. It was a moment that I will never forget.

With information from Bryce hoye