S ince the fossil, which Hoganson believes is the most important in the state collection, was collected, Campbell has been cleaning, photographing, and mounting the bones. Hoganson has been writing about them. H oganson completed a paper that was accepted by the journal science. He also completed an overview article in the NDGS newsletter. Campbell, who is not interested in the writing aspects, has almost completed the task of mounting the skeleton, which will go on display at the North Dakota Heritage Center in June.
H e is currently in the midst of a dilemma, though.
A plioplatecarpus tail has never been described before, and this specimen was tail less. But, he must mount a tail with the rest of the specimen. Campbell has decided to consult Dan Varner, a world renowned paleo artist, and Dr. Gordon Bell, the world's foremost expert on mosasaurs. He is confident that this problem will be solved by the preparation deadline. Most of you probably know.