What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

Fossils that were recently found in an Alberta basement have proven to be a significant find.

Darla Zelenitsky, who is a paleontologist from the University of Calgary, was called out to a site in the city where a basement was being excavated. One of the people digging had found some fossils and sent her photos, drawing the professor out for a closer look.

They turned out to be of an ancient fish, and by using the rock layer that they were found in, it was determined that the creatures had lived in the area about 60 million years ago. According to Zelenitsky, this would have been not long after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs, so they could help to shed a light on what the world and the animals living in it were like at that time.

The paleontologist hoped that others will keep an eye out for similar finds in the Calgary area, while brochure printers could produce pamphlets that let the public know what to look for and what they should do if they make a similar discovery.

The fossils have been sent to the Royal Tyrell Museum for cleaning and further investigation, as it is not yet known if they are a new species. In any case, the specimens will help to build on the existing knowledge of life on earth during their time.