Fierce-Looking BC Fossil Confirmed as New Genus, Days After Death of Discoverer

Fossils of the newly identified Traskasaura sandrae, a prehistoric animal whose remains were first discovered by Mike Trask and his daughter in 1988 on Vancouver Island, are shown in this handout photo. The Canadian Press/HO-Courtenay Museum and Palaeontology Centre

Before British Columbia fossil hunter Mike Trask died last week, he knew that recognition of his biggest discovery would live on.

Now it has been confirmed that the ferocious-looking marine reptile he found with his then 12-year-old daughter on Vancouver Island 37 years ago is a new species—and an entirely new genus.