Four fossil snakes found clustered together in western Wyoming may preserve evidence of group sheltering—a rare glimpse of possible social behavior in ancient reptiles. The fossils belong to Hibernophis breithaupti, a burrowing boa that lived about 38 million years ago. Their arrangement is suggestive, but it cannot prove that the snakes deliberately gathered or hibernated together.
What the fossils show
The four specimens were discovered in the White River Formation in what is now western Wyoming. They are articulated: their bones remained in their proper order rather than being scattered. That preservation makes the fossils unusually informative for studying snake anatomy. One specimen was about twice the size of the others, allowing researchers to compare individuals at different growth stages. The University of Alberta account describes the species and discovery.
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The fossils were preserved in volcanic ash and fine sandy mudstone. Researchers have proposed that a small flood episode may have contributed to their burial, but that explanation is tentative; the preservation context does not establish exactly how the snakes came to rest together.
Why the cluster suggests social behavior
The main behavioral clue is that the snakes were preserved together in a cluster interpreted as a hibernaculum-like shelter. That arrangement is consistent with the possibility that they shared a refuge. It is not direct evidence of what the animals were doing before burial, so the finding should be described as possible evidence of group sheltering or social behavior—not proof of communal hibernation.
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The researchers’ report characterized the cluster as a hint of the oldest potential evidence for group hibernation. The University of Alberta account described it as the first clear evidence of reptilian social behavior in the fossil record. Those are interpretations of the fossil context, rather than observations of living animals. The discovery does not establish that all snakes are social or that this species behaved exactly like modern snakes.
How the comparison with garter snakes helps—and where it stops
Living garter snakes provide a useful comparison because they gather in large numbers in winter shelters. University of Alberta professor and study senior author Michael Caldwell explains that clustering helps garter snakes conserve heat. In living snakes, those gatherings can be observed directly; for Hibernophis, group sheltering is inferred from the fossil arrangement. The comparison makes the proposed function understandable, but it does not show that the ancient boa was a garter snake or behaved identically.
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Social behavior is also studied in living snakes beyond garter snakes. A separate study documents social-network structures among western diamondback rattlesnakes involving winter denning, mating, and offspring production. That work offers modern context for studying snake sociality; it does not independently confirm behavior in Hibernophis. Read the study on western diamondback rattlesnake social networks.
What the discovery adds to snake evolution
Hibernophis breithaupti adds anatomical evidence relevant to boid evolution, including the history of small burrowing boas. Its articulated skeletons and individuals of different sizes provide material for comparing anatomy and development. The find also contributes to research on North America’s role in boa history, but one discovery should not be treated as settling that broader evolutionary question.
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The species was described in “Morphology and systematics of a new fossil snake from the early Rupelian (Oligocene) White River Formation, Wyoming,” published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on June 19, 2024. The paper’s DOI is 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae073.
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- 🌿SAFE & ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL - Made from non-toxic natural resin, this aquarium decoration is 100% safe for all pets including snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, spiders, fish, and shrimp. Stable weighted design prevents tipping even with larger reptiles like bearded dragons or ball pythons.
- 🏠 VERSATILE TERRARIUM DECOR - Suitable for small to medium reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. Works perfectly as a hamster house, fish shrimp shelter, turtle tank decoration, or reptile tank hideaway. This multi-functional cave serves as an ideal hiding spot for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, axolotls, frogs, tarantulas, and more.
- 💧 HUMID MICROCLIMATE FOR HEALTH - This reptile hideout creates an ideal humid environment for shedding, egg-laying, and stress reduction. The cave structure maintains moisture levels essential for amphibians, geckos, and tropical species while providing privacy and security.
- 🎨 PROFESSIONAL TERRARIUM DECOR - Beyond functionality, this dinosaur bone replica adds aesthetic appeal to your reptile enclosure. The realistic fossil appearance with beige-to-brown gradient creates a natural underground shelter look that enhances your tank's visual appeal while serving as a functional hide cave.
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