OTTAWA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Scientists unearthed a new genus of horned dinosaur that lived in western Canada 68 million years ago, local media reported Thursday.

The discovery was made in a canyon in Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park in Alberta province, Canadian Press said.

The new horned beast is the earliest known member of, and possible ancestor to, the well-known Triceratops group. It had large orbital horns and a solid frill, and is the largest and most distinct type of horned dinosaur known in Alberta.

Scientists say the discovery helps fill in the information gap about dinosaurs that lived from 69 to 67 million years ago.