About 38 million years ago, three snakes died huddled together in what is now Wyoming. For decades, the identity of the fossils remained a mystery. Now, researchers have revealed that the snakes are a new species.
The fossils were discovered in the White River Formation in 1976, and researchers were the first to observe the snakes’ herding behavior. 1986 StudyThe snakes may have huddled together in groups to seek warmth and protection during the winter, providing the first clear evidence of social behaviour in reptiles in the fossil record. statement A research team from the University of Alberta discovered the fossils, which suggest that these snakes may have hibernated in groups, much like modern garter snakes.Thamnophis) do.
