Fernatator prenticei

More than 230 million years ago, powerful marine reptiles cruised the ancient sea that covered southeastern British Columbia

Near Fernie, British Columbia, a rare ichthyosaur fossil known as Fernatator prenticei was found and offers a glimpse into life from the Jurassic seas nearly 190 million years ago.

The name Fernatator means “Fernie swimmer,” after the town of Fernie and the Fernie Formation where it was found, while prenticei honours Tom Prentice, the man who discovered the fossil.

Unlike most fossil finds that are known only from fragments, this specimen is remarkably complete. Its well-preserved skeleton has allowed scientists to identify distinct anatomical features that distinguish it as a new species, making it one of the most significant ichthyosaur discoveries in North America.

Image courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Nature

the discovery

The ichthyosaur fossil was originally discovered in 1916 by Tom Prentice

While fishing in the Elk River just south of Fernie, British Columbia, Tom Prentice made the find. Following his discovery, the specimen was recovered under the direction of W.R. Wilson of the Crowsnest Pass Coal Company and was initially kept on display in the company’s Fernie oce.

Once the significance of the find became clearer, the Geological Survey of Canada in Ottawa was informed and later sent fossil specialist Charles M. Sternberg in October 1917 to assess and collect the specimen. Sternberg arranged for the fossil to be shipped to what is now the Canadian Museum of Nature. The specimen has remained part of Canada’s national collection ever since and continues to be an important reference for ichthyosaur research.

Ichthyosaur fossil CMNFV 40398 along the Elk River near Morrissey, British Columbia, around 1916. W.R. Wilson of the Crowsnest Pass Coal Company (left), and Tom Prentice (right).

Living Ichthyosaurs

Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles, not dinosaurs

They lived exclusively in the ocean and were highly adapted for life in water. They had streamlined, dolphin-like bodies built for speed and efficiency in open water. Large eyes helped them see in deep or low-light conditions, making them effective hunters even in darker marine environments.

Their jaws were lined with conical teeth designed for gripping slippery prey, allowing them to feed on a variety of marine life including fish, turtles, and ammonites. These adaptations made ichthyosaurs highly successful predators in ancient oceans, well suited to a fast-moving and competitive marine ecosystem.

Ichthyosaur Interpretive Site

Stop in Elko at the Fernatator prenticei Interpretive Site beside the Elk River

You can also visit the Fernie Visitor Information Centre to see a life size replica of Fernatator prenticei and learn about one of the most remarkable fossil discoveries in North America.

Created using scans of the actual fossil housed at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, the replica gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable prehistoric marine reptile up close.

HOW FOSSILS ARE FORMED

Long before the Rocky Mountains existed, much of British Columbia was covered by ancient oceans

Creatures such as ammonites, ichthyosaurs, fish, and marine reptiles lived beneath the waves. When these plants and animals died, some were quickly buried by layers of mud, sand, or sediment on the ocean floor. Over time, those layers hardened into rock and protected the remains from completely breaking down.

As millions of years passed, pressure from the Earth slowly transformed the buried remains into fossils. In some cases, minerals replaced the original bones or shells, preserving incredible details. Shifting continents, rising mountains, and erosion eventually brought many of these fossils closer to the surface, where they can now be discovered in the Elk Valley and surrounding areas.

Fossil collecting

When exploring for fossils, it’s important to collect responsibly and help protect these incredible pieces of natural history

Always respect private property, protected areas, and local regulations before collecting. Many fossils are fragile and can be easily damaged if removed improperly.

Take only small, loose surface finds when permitted, and never use heavy tools or damage rock faces, cliffs, or natural landscapes. If you discover a rare, unusual, or significant fossil, consider leaving it in place and reporting it to a local museum, geologist, or paleontology organization so it can be properly studied and preserved.

Remember to leave the area as you found it, stay on established trails when possible, and pack out anything you bring with you. Responsible fossil collecting helps preserve the stories hidden in the rocks for future explorers and scientists alike.

Ready to Explore?

Discover ancient oceans, incredible fossils and millions of years of geological history across Fernie, Sparwood and Cranbrook.