Paleontologists Uncover First Evidence of Multispecies Dinosaur Herding

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada, where they unearthed 76-million-year-old footprints indicating the first evidence of multispecies herding behavior among dinosaurs. This significant find, which includes tracks from ceratopsian dinosaurs and an ankylosaur, was reported by Dr. Phil Bell of the University of New England and his research team in their study published in the journal PLoS ONE on July 28, 2025.

The site, known as the Skyline Tracksite, contains footprints from at least five ceratopsians, specifically the species Styracosaurus albertensis, alongside tracks from the armored dinosaur Euplocephalus tutus. Notably, the team also documented tracks from two large tyrannosaurs, Gorgosaurus libratus, walking alongside the herd. This arrangement suggests a potential defensive strategy against predators, akin to modern herding behaviors observed in species such as wildebeest and zebras.

Dr. Bell, who has collected dinosaur bones in the park for nearly two decades, expressed his excitement about discovering the tracksite. He noted that the impressions left in the mud resembled footprints, sparking curiosity about the behaviors of these ancient creatures. Meanwhile, Dr. Brian Pickles from the University of Reading emphasized the importance of these findings in understanding dinosaur interactions. He mentioned that the new methodology for detecting footprints has led to the discovery of additional tracksites within the park, which could provide further insights into dinosaur behavior.

This discovery adds to the rich history of Dinosaur Provincial Park, a premier site for studying Late Cretaceous ecosystems. The park has yielded numerous dinosaur fossils, contributing to our understanding of dinosaur evolution, behavior, and paleoecology. Despite the wealth of skeletal remains, dinosaur footprints remain a rare find, making this discovery particularly significant.

Dr. Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology underscored the potential of Dinosaur Provincial Park for future paleontological discoveries. His remarks highlight that even in a well-studied area, there is still much to learn about how dinosaurs lived and interacted.

This study not only sheds light on the social structure of ceratopsians and their interactions with predators but also opens up avenues for future research into the behavior and ecology of dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of dinosaur behavior and social dynamics, providing a clearer picture of how these majestic creatures thrived in their environments.