76 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Tracks Unveil Evidence of Multispecies Herding

Archaeologists have unearthed groundbreaking evidence of multispecies herding in dinosaurs, as indicated by newly discovered tracks in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This remarkable find, revealed in a study published in the journal *PLOS One* on July 25, 2025, suggests that at least five different species of dinosaurs cohabited and moved together, reminiscent of modern herding behavior observed in animals such as wildebeests and zebras on the African plains.

The research team, led by Dr. Phil Bell, a paleontologist at the University of Reading, excavated a 312.15 square-foot tracksite that not only revealed 13 ceratopsian footprints but also the tracks of a probable ankylosaurid. The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that it provides rare evidence for social behavior among dinosaurs, previously inferred only from bone beds, which showed groups of the same species but lacked direct evidence of their living habits.

Dr. Bell expressed his excitement over the discovery: "The tyrannosaur tracks give the sense that they were really eyeing up the herd, which is a pretty chilling thought, but we don’t know for certain whether they actually crossed paths." This statement highlights the potential predator-prey dynamics that could have existed in this ancient ecosystem.

The Dinosaur Provincial Park is renowned for its rich fossil history, containing at least 44 species across 10 dinosaur families, as noted by The Natural History Museum. However, the absence of dinosaur footprints in previous studies left a gap in understanding how these creatures interacted. The discovery of these tracks, therefore, opens new avenues for research into the social behaviors of dinosaurs.

Jack Lovegrove, another paleontologist involved in the study, commented on the implications of the find: "The preserved trackways of several ceratopsians walking together in a group are rare evidence for these animals living together. This study adds a crucial layer to our understanding of dinosaur social structures."

Interestingly, the research team also found tracks indicating two large tyrannosaurs walking side-by-side, which raises questions about the interactions between predators and their potential prey. Dr. Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology remarked, "This discovery shows just how much there is still to uncover in dinosaur paleontology. The Dinosaur Park is one of the best understood dinosaur assemblages globally, yet we are only beginning to explore its full potential for dinosaur trackways."

The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere footprints. It suggests that different species may have huddled together as a survival strategy against predators. This behavior parallels what is observed in modern animal species, where mixed herds enhance protection against threats and improve survival odds.

As researchers continue to analyze these tracks, they are optimistic about uncovering more insights into the social behaviors and environmental adaptations of dinosaurs. The significance of this discovery not only adds to the rich tapestry of paleontological records but also invites further exploration into how ancient ecosystems functioned.

In conclusion, the finding of these dinosaur tracks provides a pivotal moment in understanding the social structures of prehistoric life, emphasizing the importance of collaborative survival strategies that may have persisted millions of years ago. As more trackways are studied, the narrative of dinosaur behavior and interaction is poised to shift dramatically, revealing a more nuanced picture of life in the Cretaceous period.