This strange ancient snake was hiding in a museum for decades

A strange little snake fossil found on England’s south coast has finally revealed its secrets—more than 40 years after it was discovered. The newly named Paradoxophidion richardoweni lived around 37 million years ago, during a time when Britain was warmer and teeming with reptiles. Though known only from tiny backbone bones, this “paradox snake” carries a surprising mix of traits seen in modern snakes, placing it near the very roots of today’s most diverse snake group.