Skull Identification

[dieNqvrs]

Not a badger, wrong overall shape- they are triangular when viewed overhead, this doesn’t have the same, also badger not big enough zygo arch and sag crest is not elongated or tall enough.

Otters have a smashed nose/mouth on same plane and brain case drastically different.

I agree and would put $ on an opossum. It has the right shape and sagital crest and zygo arches of a good sized male. You can see one tooth in a side pic that looks sharp pointed like an Op.

All bone/shake characteristics are clues but the Teeth are the true decisive factor.

 

[JMDavies]

Curious what type of habitat you found the skull in?

I found the skull in a hilly oak tree area next to a marsh.

 

[JMDavies]

Thanks for all of the insight! We do have a ton of opossum around here. Another picture for reference.

 

[william schmaltz]

Being able to rule out everything from ND, it’s something I’ve never dealt with. Which doesn’t leave much, but possum falls in the category.

Here is a Fisher for your reference. As stated, notice the very pronounced sagittal crest.

 

[JMDavies]

Being able to rule out everything from ND, it’s something I’ve never dealt with. Which doesn’t leave much, but possum falls in the category.

Here is a Fisher for your reference. As stated, notice the very pronounced sagittal crest. View attachment 166267View attachment 166268

Thanks for the photo. They look very similar.

 

[zbb]

I formally withdraw my badger vote.

 

[JMDavies]

I formally withdraw my badger vote.

I don't think a badger was a crazy idea.

 

[BackcountryBloodline]

@dieNqvrs hit the nail on the head, show us a photo of the molars (from the bottom of the skull) and it should be fairly straightforward to confirm

 

[30338]

I've enjoyed the pics and discussion guys. Found a fox skull earlier this year and it was in quite good condition for being cleaned in the wild.

 

[JMDavies]

Picture from the bottom. Thanks,

 

[TonySkyline]

Chupacabra possibly


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[BackcountryBloodline]

Picture from the boView attachment 166316ttom. Thanks,

Hmm seems to have an extra pre-molar to be an opossum. What state are you in?

 

[zbb]

I don't think a badger was a crazy idea.

I didn’t either until I saw picture from the top that shows how small where the brain would be. It just looks way to skinny. I’m kind of a meat head so I’m not gonna give whatever scientific name that has. Here’s a pic of the badger I have at almost the same angle.

 

[camping1601]

That seems like a big opossum.

 

[Mike Islander]

I will happily put $100 on possum.

 

[Elkhunter777]

By the teeth I’d have to say “ex wife”.

 

[JMDavies]

Hmm seems to have an extra pre-molar to be an opossum. What state are you in?

I'm in Minnesota

 

[Mike Islander]

Hmm seems to have an extra pre-molar to be an opossum. What state are you in?

O'contrar; 8 teeth from rear molar to canine, including canine = opossum.

5134 upper.

 

[BackcountryBloodline]

O'contrar; 8 teeth from rear molar to canine, including canine = opossum.

5134 upper.

You're right sir, not sure what the skull I was looking at is but it was clearly mislabeled. Looks like the amount of incisor slots would be the giveaway but my money is definitely on opossum now as well!

 

[Mike Islander]

You're right sir, not sure what the skull I was looking at is but it was clearly mislabeled. Looks like the amount of incisor slots would be the giveaway but my money is definitely on opossum now as well!

Yeah, if not for the damage, more than 3 incisors per side would narrow it to a possibility of one native animal.