Ancient rhino discovered in Canada's High Arctic

Scientists reported a nearly complete skeleton of a previously unknown rhinocerotid, found in a lake at Haughton Crater on Devon Island and named Epiatheracerium itjilik. The research team says the find indicates the Arctic played a significant role in rhinocerotid evolution.

Scientists from the Canadian Museum of Nature reported the nearly complete skeleton of a previously unknown rhinocerotid in the Canadian High Arctic. The bones were found in a lake within Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut, and were described in a paper published in October 2025. The team named the species Epiatheracerium itjilik after consulting Inuit elder Jarloo Kiguktak; itjilik means "frosty" in Inuktitut. The individual was relatively small for a rhinocerotid, lacked a horn, and is thought to have been in early or mid-adulthood based on cheek-tooth wear. Key details: - Nearly complete skeleton discovered in a lake at Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut. - Named Epiatheracerium itjilik after consultation with Inuit elder Jarloo Kiguktak; itjilik means "frosty" in Inuktitut. - The specimen was small, had no horn, and showed tooth wear consistent with early or mid-adulthood. - Researchers examined and mapped 57 other rhinocerotid taxa as part of the study. - The authors report that the Arctic regions played a significant role in rhinocerotid evolution and that migration between Europe and North America via the North Atlantic Land Bridge may have occurred for longer than previously thought. Summary: The discovery is the most northerly rhinocerotid yet recorded and prompted researchers to reassess the biogeographic history of these animals. It underscores the scientific value of Arctic paleontology. Undetermined at this time.