Prairie Oddities-Ponteix’s Mo
Saskatchewan has this unique way about it, often hard to put into words. Its landscape is vast and diverse. From the thick forests and lakes in the north, rolling hills and open farm land in the central areas, to the badlands, grasslands, and hills carved out centuries ago in the south. It offers up a vast array of things to see. I put on thousands of miles exploring this province and one of my favourite things that seems to be universal across the province is our love of town icons or mascots. Roadside attractions, that allow a good stopping point to stretch your legs and have some fun and laughs. Just about every town has one that tells a unique story of the area in an ever so fun way.
This past summer while exploring the south end of our province I came across one such gem in the small town of Ponteix, Saskatchewan, located near Grasslands National Park. The Plesiosaur named Mo caught my attention right away and how could it not, with it standing 8 feet 10-inch-tall overlooking the entrance to town. Even in the dark, Mo stands out like the icon it is.
Mo on his perch on Highway 13
The statue, while large, actually is about half the size of what the original reptile was. Standing next to it puts into perspective what massive magnificent creatures used to roam here 70 million years ago on the very soil I explore now. With its toothy little grin it’s a must stop for a quick photo with this icon. He’s always more than happy to pose.
The fossilized remains of the Plesiosaur were found 6 km's N.E. of Ponteix, by Bob St. Cyr, a high school student at the time in 1992. It took a few years to uncover all that remained of this massive 8 meter long sea creature. Not only is it the first of its kind to be found in Saskatchewan, it also marked a discovery of a new species and genus previously undiscovered. The species was named Erminonatator Ponteixiensis, which means the last swimmer from Pontiex. It’s one of these things that is unique to Saskatchewan because this reptile has only ever been found in Saskatchewan.
Mo was recently relocated from his original home to within town limits near the Co-op gas station where a park is being built for a beautiful new home for this great piece of Saskatchewan history. He loves visitors and while he’s not keen on giving rides on his back, he is more than happy to give his toothy grin for photos
When you see him let him know Jenny sent you and feel free to use the hashtag #LostInSk to share your experience with me or any other interesting things in your travels.
Mo at his new home in town
