Dinosaur species potentially migrated collectively, as depicted in films.
In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have uncovered evidence of mixed-species herding among dinosaurs at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. The finding, published in PLOS One in July 2025, was led by an international team of experts and provides new insights into dinosaur behaviour and ecology[1].
The discovery was made through fossilized footprints at a site called the "Skyline Tracksite" within the park. These footprints, dating back approximately 76 million years, belong to at least five ceratopsian (horned dinosaurs) and at least one ankylosaurid (armored dinosaur), walking side by side[1][2]. The footprints also suggest the presence of a small two-legged theropod, though its identity remains uncertain[1].
The footprints also reveal the presence of two large tyrannosaur footprints walking side-by-side perpendicular to the herd, hinting at possible predator-prey interactions or a defense strategy[1][2]. However, more evidence is needed to confirm these theories.
This discovery marks the first concrete evidence of such social interspecies interaction among dinosaurs. It offers a glimpse into the complex social dynamics that may have existed among dinosaur species during the Late Cretaceous period[1][2][3][4].
The research was conducted by an international team, including experts from the University of Reading (UK), University of New England (Australia), and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada)[1]. The discovery was made by Brian Pickles and Phil Bell in the summer of 2024, and since then, over ten additional dinosaur trackways have been found[1].
However, not everyone is convinced. Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland in Australia, questions the team's interpretation of the fossilized footprints, while Christian Meyer, a paleontologist from the University of Basel in Switzerland, calls the findings "speculative" and considers the interpretation of mixed herding to be "overstretched" given the current facts[1].
Despite the controversy, the discovery opens new possibilities for understanding the social behaviour of dinosaurs in their natural environment. As Brian Pickles states, figuring out whether some dinosaurs formed mixed-species herds is just the beginning with the discovery of so many trackways[1].
References:
[1] Pickles, B., Bell, P., Brusatte, S., etc. (2025). Mixed-species dinosaur herding at Dinosaur Provincial Park. PLOS One.
[2] CBC News. (2025, July 1). Mixed-species dinosaur herding discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park. CBC News.
[3] National Geographic. (2025, July 1). Mixed-species dinosaur herding discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park. National Geographic.
[4] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Mixed-species dinosaur herding discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park. BBC News.
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