Photo via Suncor Website
A routine day on the job turned into a step back in time for a Syncrude worker.
Lauren Sayers, a vegetation management technician, was carrying out weed control at the Syncrude North Mine site when she noticed something shiny in the ground. Upon closer inspection, the object turned out to be an ammonite (pronounced a-muh-nite) fossil — the remains of an extinct spiral-shelled marine creature that lived more than 100 million years ago.
While ammonites are not unusual in the oil sands region, experts say this particular find is scientifically significant. The fossil will now be sent to the Royal Tyrrell Museum for preservation, ensuring it’s protected for future study and public display.
The discovery is a reminder of the rich prehistoric history hidden beneath the region’s landscape — and that sometimes, history turns up when you least expect it.
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