This 34-million-year-old snake fossil changes what we thought about evolution
Fossil of ancient snake suggests reptiles adapted to freezing winters much earlier than believed
A 34-million-year-old fossil discovered in the U.S. may drastically alter our understanding of how snakes evolved — especially in cold environments.
The newly named species, Hibernophis breithaupti, lived in what is now Wyoming during the Oligocene epoch, a time when global temperatures were dropping rapidly.
What makes this snake extraordinary is the evidence suggesting it may have hibernated — a trait scientists didn’t expect to find in ancient reptiles.
According to the research behind the discovery, this snake may have entered brumation to survive harsh winters — showing cold adaptation far earlier than thought.
Facts about Hibernophis breithaupti
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | 34 million years (Oligocene) |
| Discovery site | Wyoming, USA |
| Unique feature | First fossil linked to snake hibernation |
| Climate context | Global cooling after the Eocene |
| Evolutionary impact | Cold resistance may have evolved earlier |
Why this matters
- Challenges the idea that ancient snakes were strictly tropical
- Suggests that cold climates encouraged evolutionary innovation
- Explains how some modern species survive winter dormancy
Interestingly, modern snakes in colder regions — like garter snakes — do hibernate. But this is the first fossil evidence showing this strategy existed millions of years ago.
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