B.C.’S New Official Fossil Emblem Enriches Cultural Identity

The elasmosaur is now British Columbia’s official fossil emblem.

“British Columbia has a rich and diverse variety of fossils and fossil deposits that are a historical record of the evolution and development of life on Earth,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“I am excited the elasmosaur fossil has been declared an official emblem of the province. This designation will help raise awareness that B.C. has a fossil heritage worthy of celebration and stewardship.”

The adoption of a provincial fossil in the Provincial Symbols and Honours Act elevates the importance of the presence of fossils in the province and is intended to enrich B.C.’s cultural identity.

The elasmosaur is a large marine reptile that lived along the coast of B.C., dating back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago.

In 2018, the elasmosaur was selected to become the provincial fossil emblem through a public vote held by the Province.

Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard brought forward the bill to recognize the elasmosaur as B.C.’s fossil emblem, says the elasmosaur fossil has become a symbol of the region since its discovery and now it’s a point of provincial pride for all British Columbians.

The first elasmosaur fossil was discovered in 1988, along the Puntledge River, by Mike Trask and his daughter Heather; the first fossil of its kind found west of the Canadian Rockies.
Since then, another elasmosaur was found in Comox Valley in 2020.

Both elasmosaurs are on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.