Dino vertebra? North Dakota

[John S.]

A co-worker just handed me this bone and picture. Wanted to know about it. Found in North Dakota. Thanks!

 

*more info, from western N Dakota Hell Creek formation. Skull around 3 feet

[old bones]

Nice scale... so, is that 22 centimeters then?

[John S.]

3 minutes ago, old bones said:

Nice scale... so, is that 22 centimeters then?

Umm not sure his dad found this

[old bones]

I was joking, John. caliber to centimeters...

[Troodon]

Can you be more specific as to where it was found.  Just a few areas east of the Missouri river and its not very well preserved

[Miocene_Mason]

Looks more mammal to me than dinosaur, couldn’t say what mammal though. I’m sure someone more familiar with the area will come along and help, however, as previously stated, it is pretty worn.

[John S.]

Just got some more info. He says it’s more western N Dakota and in Hell Creek Formation. Skull in pic around 3 feet long

[caldigger]

I'm sorry, what skull are we talking about? I don't see a skull in a picture. Is it that light colored thing behind the gun?

[Troodon]

Can you take a picture of the thin side and one similiar to the one that says May 2017 without fingers.  No obtuse angle please straight in shots. 

[John S.]

5 hours ago, caldigger said:

I'm sorry, what skull are we talking about? I don't see a skull in a picture. Is it that light colored thing behind the gun?

I’m only going by what he told me. Far SW N Dakota. He thinks that is a fractured skull behind the gun yes. 

[John S.]

Any more opinions?

[Troodon]

I was leaning toward possible Ceratopsian vert but that last picture with the hole in the center and overall shape has me stumped

 

Could be a very weathered Ceratopsian (Triceratops) skull in that picture.   Outlined a nasal horn (in red) with frill material behind it.  Difficult to say.

[John S.]

Thanks for the help! He is appreciating the feedback!

[jpc]

I also saw a ceratopsian nasal horn behind the gun.  But keep in mind that this is only an educated guess from one photo.  I am not going to bet any money on it, but the vert looks possibly ceratopsian as well.  

[LordTrilobite]

I agree with Troodon and jcp.