A prehistoric marine reptile known as an ichthyosaur has been discovered in the Kiskatinaw River valley in British Columbia, approximately 52 kilometers south of Fort St. John. The fossilized skull was found by local resident Kevin Geist and his 11-year-old son Andreas while exploring the fossil-rich Peace region two summers ago.
The unusually low water levels in the Kiskatinaw River, caused by a prolonged drought, have led to more rocks becoming exposed along the shoreline. The ichthyosaur skull was found within one of these rocks, which caught Geist’s attention. Initially unsure of its significance, Geist later shared photos with the Tumbler Ridge Museum after his sister-in-law, Diana Hofmann, recognized its potential importance.
The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation has confirmed the fossil as an ichthyosaur, a type of marine reptile that lived during the Triassic period. Despite this, the skull’s location in a river valley dating back to the Cretaceous period is considered unusual. The skull, believed to have been encased in carbonate rock from the Triassic era, likely ended up in the valley after being transported by a glacier following the formation of the Rocky Mountains.
Eamon Drysdale, the museum’s resident paleontologist, explained the significance of the find, noting that the Peace region in northeast British Columbia is a treasure trove of fossils dating back over 500 million years, showcasing Earth’s diverse history. Drysdale expressed optimism about the possibility of discovering more fossil material as low water levels continue to expose rocks in the area.
To safely transport the ichthyosaur skull, it was airlifted by helicopter and then transferred to the museum for further examination. Drysdale highlighted the community effort involved in the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of local residents in contributing to fossil discoveries in the region.
The Peace region, home to various prehistoric discoveries such as dinosaur bones and footprints, is recognized for its rich fossil deposits. The Tumbler Ridge area, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features exhibits and trails that showcase these remarkable finds.
Overall, the discovery of the ichthyosaur skull in the Kiskatinaw River valley adds another chapter to the region’s paleontological history, providing valuable insights into ancient marine life and Earth’s geological past.