Found in the Lower Members of the Chinle Formation, Emery County, Utah, USA.

[CannonCougar]

A family member found this on public land while camping in the San Rafael Swell of Utah. They brought it back to their trailer a short distance away. I told them to take some pictures of it with a ruler and then put it back where they found it just in case it is a vertebrate fossil. I cross referenced the location of the find with the Interactive Geologic Maps on the Utah Geological Survey website and have confirmed that it was found in the Lower Members of the Chinle Formation. The person did put it back where he found it and has since gone home so these are the only photos that were taken. 

 

We are really curious as to any thoughts or ideas as to what this might be. Thanks in advance.

[Fossildude19]

Too bad they didn't take any photos of the item dry. 

[CannonCougar]

11 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

Too bad they didn't take any photos of the item dry. 

Sorry. That was my suggestion based on the listed recommendations of another fossil identification site. The reasoning is that a wet item will cause the colors to be more vibrant. Are you saying that a wet item is a disadvantage to proper identification? I am a complete novice and would love some education. Thanks.

[jpc]

For most fossils, dry photos are much better/.  This does look like bone but not much to ID it by.  

[Mark Kmiecik]

In some cases, if the specimen is too wet, the water can fill small holes and crevices that are essential to identification. Sometimes water can be excellent camouflage.

 

 

 

 

Edited April 15 by Mark Kmiecik
fix grammar

[CannonCougar]

14 minutes ago, Mark Kmiecik said:

In some cases, if the specimen is too wet, the water can fill small holes and crevices that are essential to identification. Sometimes water can be excellent camouflage.

 

 

 

 

Oh, I see. That makes sense. Thank you for the explanation.

[Fossildude19]

40 minutes ago, CannonCougar said:

Oh, I see. That makes sense. Thank you for the explanation.

 

Good rule of thumb is to clean the item with water. Take pictures damp, and then take pictures dry.  

That way, all bases are covered.