ca. 1995
Hudson’s Hope Museum
Because of its small size, (less than a metre long), Hudsonelpidia was initially thought to be a juvenile. Scientific studies however, determined it is a mature specimen. It remains unique as no other fossil match has been identified elsewhere in the world, to date. An Ichthyosaur was a mammal-like marine reptile that lived in the seas for 100 million years, from the early Triassic to mid-Cretaceous period of pre-history. Ichthyosaur are characterized by digits in their swim paddles, large eyes, and streamlined bodies capable of speeds of 25 – 40 km/h with strong fishlike tails. This one discovered in the Hudson’s Hope area was named after the region.