2 Inch Mammal Tooth/tusk

[Shellseeker]

I have already received 3 or 4 identifications for this one -- obviously all can not be correct. All responses appreciated. SS

[Harry Pristis]

I'd guess it's from a tapir.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Harry Pristis

[Shellseeker]

I'd guess it's from a tapir.

Thanks Harry,

As I picked it out of the sieve, I immediately thought "canine". A slew of fossil friends guessed "dire wolf" , bear, marine mammal. Then someone said it looked like a tusk rather than tooth and based on sized must be pig related. 1st guess was peccary, then tapir.

So, before posting I had settled on "tusk" rather than canine (not sure of the difference between the 2).

Nice, clear picture of the Tapir mandible!!!

[Hemi-God]

Nice find SS. That's the first one of those I've seen. I'm guessing you have a pretty sweet collection by now.

I'm hoping to get out there these next three weekends. Maybe I'll cross paths with you once again.

[Shellseeker]

This was the first Tapir Canine that I had seen -- did not recognize it. I have been out during the week -- mostly Mondays and Fridays. I am working on a fossil friend to take me North.. I have never done any hunting above Paynes Creek. But then I have been really fortunate this last year. Lots of Mastodon and Sloth material - I can only hope my luck continues, but sometimes it does seem unfair to my fossil hunting companions. See you on the River, I have a yellow Ocean Kayak. SS

[rwhitty2012]

The bottom of the first set of pics looks like photos I have seen of dolphin or porpoise teeth. But I have never found one before.

[Shellseeker]

The bottom of the first set of pics looks like photos I have seen of dolphin or porpoise teeth. But I have never found one before.

I happen to have found just 1 whale tooth..... Here is a photo of it --- It does strongly resemble the lower tooth the 1st set of photos. That is why I initially (and incorrectly) thought "marine mammal"