ICHTHYOSAURIA
From Websters Dictionary:
ichthyosaur -(derived from Gk
ichthy + sauros lizard-more at saurian)
any of an order of Ichthyosauria
of
extinct marine reptiles with
fish-shaped body and elongated snout.
Side view, Head to the right, tail to left
note- no trace of a top fin left
This fossil is estimated to weigh over 3 tons
it rests on a cement pad
The scale or crevices on the top
have eroded away and the top is fairly smooth.
Half Fish, Half Lizard, near
Pinto?
Ichthyosaurs or ‘fish lizards’,
were dolphin-like marine Reptiles
with fins and a vertical tail.
They lived from the Early Triassic
through to the Late Cretaceous Period.
This Marine Reptile existed along
the banks of the Souris River
and fossilized remains have been
found near Shand,
and also near Roche Percee.
It was NOT a Dinosaur
as I used to think.
I thought it looked like an Alligator
with the long nose
and all the teeth, but see now
why I thought that
Lizard shaped heads, Fish like
body,
and a tail made these reptiles
fierce looking.
It had deep crevices on the top
of its body
which might have been scales.
They looked like mammals of today,
but were Reptiles instead.
These reptiles couldn't "walk"
on ground, so it amazes me
how they got to the spot, where
I seen it.
That little creek, the Souris
River, was one heck of an ocean!
The Red Dot indicates to the
best of my memory
the location of the specimen
described above
This is a copy of a 1927 map
I remember as a kid being taken
to this fossil
many times by my Dad, as well
as going a few times
with the Cub and Scout troops,
he was leader of.
We would always go to the site
by Pinto.
The Fossil was located on a short
trail from the main road,
before heading south out of the
valley,
and on the east side of this
road.
For years I was told, the Natural
History Museum in Regina
finally came and got this specimen,
before it was totally vandalized.
Over the years the head, tail
and
even the fins were disappearing
as souvenirs.
Human beings just can't seem
to leave things alone
for the next generation to see
them.
We have to break it apart, and
put pieces on our
mantels at home, to brag what
a treasure we have.
It only serves as a trophy to
their ignorance!
I will remember these visits
to this fossil till I die.
They must have been quite the
reptile back
between 135 and 225 million years
ago
Wished I would have taken a picture
on my first visit
never mind my last!
I found out in Apr 2003 where
this fossil was
taken for safe keeping.
In 2003 it was in the yard of Clarence Jahn,
just east of Roche Percee.
I took these pictures May 2003.
it was a real treat to see this
specimen again,
after almost 40 years!
Thanks to Clarence Jahn for saving
the Fossil.
It is a must see, if your in the area.
Please respect the yard and property!
A big Thank-you after your visit would
be appreciated I am sure.
If the privilege is abused,
a gate will be installed to prevent further viewing.
Please respect the permission to view.
