Small “hoof” bones from Nebraska Oligocene

[Xiphactinus]

These toe bones were found in association with a ton of fragments. Quite a puzzle! Any idea from these tiny hooves what I might be working on?

[Harry Pristis]

 

Got any more images?

 

 

[Xiphactinus]

22 minutes ago, Harry Pristis said:

 

Got any more images?

 

 

Here’s the other side. Not a lot of detail 

[Xiphactinus]

Side views

[Harry Pristis]

 

I'm drawing a blank.  What's your confidence level that these are unguals (as opposed to say osteoderms)?

 

 

[Xiphactinus]

42 minutes ago, Harry Pristis said:

 

I'm drawing a blank.  What's your confidence level that these are unguals (as opposed to say osteoderms)?

 

 

Thanks, Harry. I hadn’t really considered osteoderms. Is there anything other than turtles that had those in the White River? There was bone, but no turtle shell associated with these. 

[caldigger]

I have some similar ones from Florida, described as giant tortoise osteoderms.

[Harry Pristis]

 

Yes, tortoise osteoderms is what I had in mind.  Stylemys sp. was a large tortoise, but I can't say I have ever seen big osteoderms associated with these tortoises.  Someone with more Badlands experience may have more info.  I was projecting based on the dissociated remains of Mio-Pleistocene tortoises in Florida.

 

 

[Xiphactinus]

Thanks, guys. Yes, those look very similar. I dunno….guess I'll have to prep him out to know for sure. Maybe 2 animals are washed in together.

Appreciate the expertise.

@jpc -- any other thoughts?

[jpc]

I have seen a few tortoises with preserved osteoderms on the legs.  They do look like these things, esp your 4th photo.  

[Brian Roland]

A couple of those look like cladadont teeth also

[JohnBrewer]

Tortoise osteoderms for me too. I’ve a few courtesy of Harry. 

[Fossildude19]

On 3/7/2019 at 11:03 PM, Brian Roland said:

A couple of those look like cladadont teeth also

Not really. They lack enamel of a tooth.