Scientists discovered four snakes curled together in a burrow for 38 million years

Scientists have discovered the remains of four snakes frozen in time for 38 million years in a Wyoming burrow. The fossils belong to a newly recognized species named Hibernophis breithaupti, which is a relative of the boa family. The discovery provides a unique insight into the lives of ancient reptiles and their possible communal behavior in burrows.

Three of the snakes were preserved together in a tightly packed formation, while the fourth specimen from the same formation offered additional evidence for identifying the species. The fossils were found in the White River Formation, dating back to the early Oligocene period, and were preserved due to volcanic ash, mud, and floodwater.