Fossil Discovery Reveals Dinosaurs Herded Together in Canada

Fossil footprints uncovered at Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada, reveal that different dinosaur species occasionally herded together, providing fresh insights into their social interactions. This significant find marks the first documented evidence of mixed-species herding behavior among dinosaurs, reminiscent of how modern wildebeests and zebras travel together on the African plains. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, highlights the complexities of prehistoric life and raises new questions about dinosaur behavior.

Researchers from the University of Reading in the UK and other institutions conducted a thorough analysis of the fossil site, which spans approximately 30 square meters. Among the remarkable discoveries were tracks of at least five horned dinosaurs walking side by side, along with evidence of an armored dinosaur, such as an ankylosaurus, moving within the herd. Notably, tracks of two tyrannosaurs were found walking parallel to the mixed-species group, suggesting these predators may have been observing the herd.

Phil Bell, a co-author of the study from the University of New England, expressed his fascination with the discovery. “I’ve collected dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Provincial Park for nearly 20 years, but I’d never given footprints much thought,” he said. His intrigue was sparked when he saw the fossilized impressions resembling mud squelched between toes. “The tyrannosaur tracks give the sense that they were eyeing up the herd, which is a pretty chilling thought, but we don’t know for certain whether they crossed paths.”

The significance of this discovery lies not only in the evidence of social behavior but also in the potential for understanding how different dinosaur species interacted. According to the researchers, mixed herding could have served as a defense strategy against common apex predators, including T. rex.

The fossil site, which extends into a hillside at Dinosaur Provincial Park, also includes tracks of what may have been a small meat-eating dinosaur. Brian Pickles, another author of the study, expressed his excitement about walking in the footprints of dinosaurs that were laid down approximately 76 million years ago. “It was incredibly exciting to be walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs,” he noted.

Further excavations at the site are anticipated to provide additional details on the interactions and behaviors of these ancient creatures. Caleb Brown, another author of the study, emphasized the importance of continued research. “Dinosaur Park is one of the best-understood dinosaur assemblages globally with more than a century of intense collection and study,” he said. “But it’s only now that we are getting a sense for its full potential for dinosaur trackways.”

As researchers continue to explore the varied terrain of Dinosaur Provincial Park, they remain hopeful that these fossils will yield deeper insights into the complex social dynamics of dinosaurs and how they navigated their environment. This groundbreaking discovery not only sheds light on the past but also invites a reevaluation of how we understand prehistoric life.