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Ancient Snake Fossils Uncovered: Insights Into Evolution

6/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a remarkable find, paleontologists unearthed four nearly intact snake fossils in western Wyoming, dating back 38 million years. Named Hibernophis breithaupti, these small burrowers shed light on early snake evolution and hint at communal hibernation practices. Their extraordinary preservation, thanks to volcanic ash and mud, offers a rare window into the anatomy of ancient snakes.

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Story summary

In a remarkable find, paleontologists unearthed four nearly intact snake fossils in western Wyoming, dating back 38 million years. Named Hibernophis breithaupti, these small burrowers shed light on early snake evolution and hint at communal hibernation practices. Their extraordinary preservation, thanks to volcanic ash and mud, offers a rare window into the anatomy of ancient snakes.