Researchers have uncovered what they are calling the most well-preserved dinosaur specimen ever found, with its bones still hidden under intact skin and armor.

This extraordinary discovery occurred serendipitously in Canada when miners stumbled upon a fossilized nodosaur dating back more than 110 million years. Remarkably, the intricate patterns on the dinosaur’s skin are still visible, leaving experts at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Alberta, Canada, in awe. So well-preserved is this find, that rather than a mere fossil, it could be classified as a ‘dinosaur mummy.’

The researchers examining this unprecedented discovery were astonished at the level of preservation. Not only was the creature’s skin and armor intact, but even some of its internal organs remained undisturbed—a rarity in the world of paleontology.

The nodosaur, a massive four-legged herbivore belonging to the recently identified species, was equipped with spiky, plated armor, resembling a living tank. With a weight of around 3,000 pounds in its prime, the dinosaur has retained a significant portion of its weight, still clocking in at 2,500 pounds even after millions of years.

The enigma surrounding the dinosaur mummy’s extraordinary preservation continues to captivate scientists. Speculation suggests that the nodosaur may have been carried out to sea by a flooded river, eventually sinking to the ocean floor where minerals settled on its skin and armor over time—a theory that offers a plausible explanation for its lifelike appearance.

Carrying the name Borealopelta markmitchelli, in tribute to the painstaking efforts of technician Mark Mitchell in unearthing the specimen, the 18-foot-long nodosaur’s realistic coloration was revealed through advanced mass spectrometry techniques. The dark reddish-brown hue on its back and lighter color on its underside likely played a role in its survival against the fierce carnivorous predators of the era.

The accidental discovery of this exceptional dinosaur mummy in an oil sands mine showcases a unique piece of history that has been meticulously preserved in three dimensions, retaining its original shape for all to marvel at. Described as the “Mona Lisa of dinosaurs,” this find will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on science history for its unparalleled beauty and preservation.