Mystery Vert, Calvert Cliffs

[HoppeHunting]

Hi all,

 

I found this strange vertebra today in a small creek that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. If it's a fossil, it is from the Calvert Formation. It's unlike anything I've seen before, and certainly not a cetacean vert, so that begs the question: what is it? I have not done the burn test on it yet to confirm it as a fossil, but can anyone identify it based on morphology? I believe it to be from a large terrestrial animal, but I'd like an expert/experienced opinion. Thank you in advance!

[Fossildude19]

Maybe the back part of a whale skull? 

[Petalodus12]

Cervical vert maybe? Not sure what it’s from, though 

[Miocene_Mason]

Interesting, was it in situ?

 

@Harry Pristis any ideas?

[Harry Pristis]

I have not a clue.

[tooth_claw]

8 hours ago, Petalodus12 said:

Cervical vert maybe? Not sure what it’s from, though 

I second this, cervical vert, mammal. The vertebra seems elongate so maybe check critters with longish necks? Good mystery!

 

Edit: Horse perhaps? Just guessing now

Edited June 22, 2020 by tooth_claw
Didn't justify new post

[ShoreThing]

I too agree with others, looks to be cervical, but I have no clue as to what it would have come from.

[jpc]

cervical, non-whale mammal.  Huge.  Are there big camels known from the area? 

[Harry Pristis]

I believe this to be a horse cervical vertebra.  It's a smaller horse, but horse nonetheless.