This is a particularly challenging skull, so we’ll give some clues. We found this on the side of the road near a large field, and we had to do extensive re-construction to get it looking like a skull again. The bone of the skull is particularly thick, giving the skull a ‘dense’ sort of heft.
Another clue is seen when we observe the canines. Notice the self-sharpening canines that wear themselves into very sharp points.
Another odd thing about this skull is the way that the lower jaw connects to the upper. See the hinge-like structure? It keeps the jaws from dislocating, and gives this animal a mean bite. However, it also reduces the jaw’s mobility, so that the jaw cannot twist and angle as much as most other mammals’.
Can you guess who this skull belonged to? For your answer, click here!
Posted on November 13th, 2009 by Kenton and Rebecca
Filed under: Skulls
Bobcat?
Great guess, Carole! We won’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the comments here, but do check the link at the bottom to find out what it is! =)
The orbital sockets look to small for a felid, so I’m going with badger based on size and what looks to be an enormous, flat rear molar.
Whatever it is, I am insanely jealous!!!
Oooo — awesome guess, Ted, and good observations. You can find the answer by following the link above. It was actually fun to have to do the reconstruction, since it got us observing this skull’s many fascinating features very closely.
Great photos and a wonderful find. Love your skull page - what a terrific collection. I can’t believe these guys have such huge canines.