American Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Skull

This is the most common bear species in North America. They are omnivores, and their diet can vary greatly depending on the season and location. Black bears are smaller than brown bears and polar bears, making them the smallest of the three bear species.

Baboon (Species Unidentified) Skull

This omnivorous mammal belongs to the genus Papio within the family Cercopithecoidea. They inhabit open savannahs and woodlands across Africa. They have long, doglike muzzles, powerful jaws with sharp canines, and close-set eyes. Their fur is thick, except on their muzzles, and they have short tails. The male baboons sport large white manes. They are diurnal (active during the day) and often sleep in trees at night to avoid predators.

Cow (Bos taurus) Pelvic Girdle

Cows (Bos taurus) are domesticated bovines and are herbivores. The pelvis is formed by two hip bones, each consisting of three parts: the ilium, pubis, and ischium. It supports the weight of the cow’s body and provides attachment points for muscles that move the hind limbs.

Cow Skull

Cows (Bos taurus) are domesticated bovines and are herbivores. The cow skull is relatively broad and pyramidal, shorter but wider compared to other animals like horses. The cranium is quadrangular and larger externally, providing ample space for the brain and attachment points for muscles. The facial region includes the nasal bones, maxillae, and mandible. The nasal bones are long and narrow, while the maxillae house the upper teeth. Cows have a dental pad instead of upper front teeth, which helps them grasp and tear grass. Their molars are well-developed for grinding plant material.

Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) Neck Vertebrae

These omnivorous mammals are known for their extremely long neck and legs, hard like ossicones (not true horns) and spotted coat patterns. They live in savannahs and woodlands in Africa. They live in herds of related females and their offspring. They have seven neck vertebrae which link together to form their long necks. The individual vertebrae can be up to ten inches long.

Grey Fox (Urocyon Cinereoargenteus) Head Skin

Unlike the red fox, they can climb trees. They are omnivores and are found throughout North America. They are generally solitary and nocturnal.

Human (Homo Sapiens) Femur

The longest and strongest bone in the human body, the femur or thigh bone is divided into thre parts, the proximal end (near the hip), the shaft (middle section), and the distal end (near the knee) and supports the weight of the body. This artifact was a gift from Sue King.

Human (Homo Sapiens) Pelvis and Lumbar Vertebrae

The pelvis is located at the base of the spine. It consists of two hip bones (each made-up of the ilium, ischium and pubis), the sacrum and the coccyx. It supports the weight of the upper body when sitting and standing, transfers that weight to the lower limbs, and provides attachment points for muscles. It also protects internal organs like the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1 - L 5), located between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum. This artifact was a gift from Sue King.

Human (Homo Sapiens) Skull

Also known has the cranium, protects the brain and is made of eight bones: the frontal, two parietal, two temporal, occipital, and others. The facial skeleton consists of fourteen bones, including the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), nasal bones, zygomatic bones (cheekbones), and others. The primary function of the cranium is to protect the brain from injury. It also houses and safeguards the sensory organs, including the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. This artifact was a gift from Russell Rodriguez.

Mink (Neogale Vision) Skull

An adult’s skull is approximately 3.1 inches long and about 1.2 inches wide. Minks have a total of 34 teeth and is adapted for a carnivorous diet. They are found near water bodies and are excellent swimmers.

Muskrat (Ondatra Zibethicus) Skull

An average adult skull is about 2.4 inches and 1.6 inches wide. It contains prominent front incisors that are used for gnawing and are positioned away from the smaller premolars and molars. There are no canines in a muskrat’s skull.

Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana) Skull

An average adult skull is about 3.72 to 4.3 inches in length. It contains fifty teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. This is more than any other North American mammal. They are omnivores and nocturnal.

Pig (Sus Domesticus) Skull

The skull is elongated with a generally straight frontal aspect. The facial part of the skull is also elongated. Key bones include the occipital, sphenoid, frontal, temporal, parietal, and others. The cranial cavity is relatively small compared to the overall size of the skull. They are omnivores and are known for their intelligence.

Rabbit (Leporidae Lagomorpha) Skull

An adult skull is relatively small and delicate, with a length of about three to four inches depending on the species. Rabbits have a unique dental structure with large incisors and a noticeable gap between the incisors and cheek teeth. They have a total of 28 teeth, including incisors, premolars and molars. The eye sockets (orbits) are large and positioned high on the skull, providing a wide field of vision. Rabbits are herbivores.

Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) Skull

The skull typically measures between 4.25 to 5 inches in length and 2.75 to 2.875 inches in width. They have a total of 40 teeth, including incisors canines, premolars and molars. Their teeth are well suited for their omnivorous diet. Raccoons are native to North America and are nocturnal and known for their intelligence and dexterous front paws which they used to manipulate objects.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) Vertebral Column and Pelvis

This herbivorous mammal is found throughout North America. The name comes from the long white hair on the underside of its tail and rump.

Woodchuck (Marmota Monax) Skull

The skull typically measures around 3.5 inches in length. It contains stronger incisors that are well suited for gnawing. Their dental formula includes incisors, premolars, and molars. The skull is robust with a broad, flat cranium and short, wide snout. The mandible is strong and well developed to support their powerful bite. Woodchucks are primarily herbivores and are known for their burrowing habits, creating extensive underground homes.