Pachyrhinosaurus Lakustai

In 1974 Al Lakusta, a Grande Prairie science teacher, discovered a bonebed along Pipestone Creek. The site was excavated by the Royal Tyrrell Museum and volunteers during the summers of 1986-89. The bonebed contains up to 100 bones per sq meter. In comparison with other significant finds of 20-60 bones per sq meter, this site is a tremendous find! More than 3,500 bones, including 14 skulls have been removed from the site. 99% of the bones found at this site are from a unique species of Pachyrhinosaurus. Pachyrhinosaurus travelled in herds and migrated seasonally, following plant food resources. One theory, because of fluvial influence, is that during one such migration this herd attemped to cross the flooded river leading to their demise. Carcasses were washed downriver and over time were devoured by carnivores; indicated by teeth and teeth markings found near and on the remains.

While Pipestone's Pachyrhinosaurus is related to Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis discovered by Sternberg in Southern Alberta, it is a completely distinct species; it was decided to name the dinosaur Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai in honour of the Grade 8 science teacher who unearthed it. 

P. lakustai lived during the end of the Cretacious Period (144-65 mya), approximately 89-65 million years ago when the earth was significantly warmer and much more humid. The remains from the Pipestone Creek site indicate that the herd was comprised of four distinct sizes - from juvenile to maturity; proving that these dinosaurs cared for their young.