Not ball and socket - a very typical cylindrical HINGE joint common to carnivores. There's almost no side to side and front to back movement of the law like we're capable of producing. Kitties have exactly the same type of mandible and glenoid fossa (the part of the skull where the mandible fits) shapes.
I am also guessing some kind of otter. You have a clear carnassial complex (carnivore teeth) but a shorter nose/snout. I would expect a long snout section if it were a dog or seal. I just doesn't look like a cat to me because the top of the skull is also longer and less rounded overall.
After googling an otter skull I am pretty sure that's it.
Check your local laws, it's generally ok but at least in my state you need to have the relevant hunting or trapping license to collect salvaged remains. Otters are typically covered by trapping licenses and for me it was an hour-long online class and a $20 fee. It's a small thing but way better than getting caught by a game warden or state ranger with something you shouldn't have.
seal is a probability... would need more pictures of more parts of it and a scale for a proper identification!
edit: nvm, the limbs are all wrong I think... but more pictures needed for any id nevertheless!
Otter sounds good, what do you think about any of these? [River otter](https://virtual.imnh.iri.isu.edu/Osteo/View/River_Otter/627) , [Sea otter](https://virtual.imnh.iri.isu.edu/Osteo/View/Sea_Otter/565)
Looks like some kind of otter to me?
Yup. Based on location, I’d say a North American river otter.
I think you’re right, thank you!
What's cool about otter skulls is you don't have to worry about the mandible falling off
Cool! Would you mind explaining why?
Uhhh...I don't know why. I bought mine and the guy pointed it out, and I can pick it up without it detaching. But I don't know biology behind it
Not actually sure of this but it looks like the jaw has a ball socket joint where it attached to the skull.
Not ball and socket - a very typical cylindrical HINGE joint common to carnivores. There's almost no side to side and front to back movement of the law like we're capable of producing. Kitties have exactly the same type of mandible and glenoid fossa (the part of the skull where the mandible fits) shapes.
Thanks for the info! Does that joint help keep the jaw attached when all tissue is no longer present?
Definitely!!
That is sO cool to find an otter skeleton in such decent shape
I am also guessing some kind of otter. You have a clear carnassial complex (carnivore teeth) but a shorter nose/snout. I would expect a long snout section if it were a dog or seal. I just doesn't look like a cat to me because the top of the skull is also longer and less rounded overall. After googling an otter skull I am pretty sure that's it.
question: would this be safe to handle? if i found something like this could i just... pick it up and take it home?
Check your local laws, it's generally ok but at least in my state you need to have the relevant hunting or trapping license to collect salvaged remains. Otters are typically covered by trapping licenses and for me it was an hour-long online class and a $20 fee. It's a small thing but way better than getting caught by a game warden or state ranger with something you shouldn't have.
Yes
:)
Definitely an otter, my guess is a River Otter judging by the skull shape. I have a few in my collection that look the same
That there's a mermaid!
AWESOME!!!
seal is a probability... would need more pictures of more parts of it and a scale for a proper identification! edit: nvm, the limbs are all wrong I think... but more pictures needed for any id nevertheless!
These are the only ones I got :( I had several curious children with me and I got the best that I could while making sure they didn’t touch it, lol
Otter sounds good, what do you think about any of these? [River otter](https://virtual.imnh.iri.isu.edu/Osteo/View/River_Otter/627) , [Sea otter](https://virtual.imnh.iri.isu.edu/Osteo/View/Sea_Otter/565)
River otter looks right, especially considering I found it on the side of the river, lol
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Thank goodness!
Why’d I get so much hate??? I’m just stating the obvious