Boss had a calvy heifer that, long story short, ended up on the back 40 with the open/short bred heifer herd. We went out yesterday to find the heifer and bring her back, she's deflated, traces of blood on her tail...she's calved. We looked for the calf last night; no sign of it. I went out with the dogs this evening and they found a skull, backbone, and something that looks like a hip joint...sort of looks like it anyways. All are picked nearly clean but recent, as evidenced by the flies all over the bones. So I took a few pictures...it's the right size and age for the calf we're looking for, but that doesn't mean much.
Skull with hand for comparison
Skull and backbone
Skull bottom view
Skull side view
Main thing that's bothering me is those TEETH. Granted, they're molars, and bovines do have molars, but a brand new calf doesn't...I don't think? Wish the front part of the skull hadn't been chewed off. I had a jawbone too but it must have fallen off the four wheeler on the way back home. There were teeth on top and bottom. The molars are through the bone - anyone know if a brand new calf's molars are through the bone yet? when do they come in?
So anyways, is it a calf skull...or do I need to go hunting again?
Thanks
Skull with hand for comparison
Skull and backbone
Skull bottom view
Skull side view
Main thing that's bothering me is those TEETH. Granted, they're molars, and bovines do have molars, but a brand new calf doesn't...I don't think? Wish the front part of the skull hadn't been chewed off. I had a jawbone too but it must have fallen off the four wheeler on the way back home. There were teeth on top and bottom. The molars are through the bone - anyone know if a brand new calf's molars are through the bone yet? when do they come in?
So anyways, is it a calf skull...or do I need to go hunting again?
Thanks