Bones found on Minneapolis Construction site

[NicolaiT13]

I'm currently working on a construction project in Minneapolis, MN. We uncovered some bones about seven feet down while excavating in the street. They are very dark brown. Help on ID would be appreciated. I know they're not fossilized but seem to me to be fairly old. Maybe Buffalo or Cow? Thanks in advance. 

[trilobites_are_awesome]

very cool. maybe mastodon?

[Mahnmut]

Hi,

I got no good idea how big that skull is.

I do not think mastodon, those have a much more dome shaped cranium.

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/cohoes-mastodon-skull-vcu-3d-3632-21cfe1d2d26d4ca9963f9ad2a6cebab9

 

I first thought about a ground sloth with that boxy shape and big condyles

( https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-skull-of-Eremotherium-USNM-18498-in-anterior-view-A-and-posterior-14occipital_fig7_254238525),

but the best fit I find is horse, depending on size.

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/lebka-kone-horse-skull-b2b5037626514e88bf183db22acbc8bc

Then the big question is if its a native horse or one of those newfangled european imports. I Think the latter is much more probable in any urban location, but considering the depth you found it, maybe the experts can tell...

Best Regards,

J

Edited September 12, 2023 by Mahnmut
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