π 38-million-year-old snakes found in Wyoming
Scientists uncovered four complete snake skeletons preserved in a burrow-like cast in Wyoming. These specimens belong to the newly recognized species, Hibernophis breithaupti, found in the White River Formation. The fossils date back to the early Oligocene, over 30 million years ago, and were protected by volcanic ash, mud, and floodwater. This discovery offers rare anatomical insight into early booid snake evolution and potential communal sheltering. Researchers will use this data to further understand ancient reptile survival and behavior. π