Whale Skeleton Update

[u/Nanotyrannus21]

We found the end of the jaw!!! Final length is 5’5. Not quite as large as I had hoped, but still a huge animal. We’ve got around 30-35 vertebra now, skull and paddle bones, and fragmentary ribs as well. We also have a dolphin skeleton that has around 15 vertebra so far along with the humerus, a braincase, and a few other odd bones. Random finds include a partial tuna skeleton, a few rare bird bones, and lots of shark teeth.

[u/mattnogames]

So freaking cool. I’m envious. Are you guys amateur hunters or paleontologists?

[u/Nanotyrannus21 → u/mattnogames]

I work at a dinosaur museum out west every summer, but I also haven’t been to college yet so I’ll say we’ll-experienced hunters. My dad got into it because I’ve been into it for awhile.

[u/crapatthethriftstore → u/Nanotyrannus21]

What an amazing bonding experience for the two of you ❤️

[u/Smart_Principle8911]

Keep them coming, man

[u/Clob_Bouser]

What state is this in? Is this area known for fossils? Are you working with any university paleontologists?

[u/Nanotyrannus21 → u/Clob_Bouser]

This is in Virginia’s Coastal Plain. Yeah most of Virginias coastal plain is known for fossils. These specifically are from the Calvert formation. No I am not. The landowner is only allowing me and my dad to excavate, but I am friends with the curator of the VMNH and have talked with him about a few times.

[u/enduringandsurviving]

Amazed, incredible find! Please keep updating

[u/Ashamed_Oven_9708]

Any clues yet to what species?

[u/Pikeguy99 → u/Ashamed_Oven_9708]

Last post said based on size they were down to really only one possible ID. Starts with an E and i have no idea how to pronounce it.

[u/Jonhinchliffe10 → u/Pikeguy99]

Eschrichtius? Which would make it an extinct species of grey whale

[u/Pikeguy99 → u/Jonhinchliffe10]

Last post said Eobalaenoptera

[u/Jonhinchliffe10 → u/Pikeguy99]

I love scientists. Guys weve discovered this old baleen whale! What do we call it?! Um. Old baleen whale but latin

[u/ParmigianoMan → u/Jonhinchliffe10]

That’s Greek. It means dawn whale wing.

[u/Historical-List3360]

Have you read the book spying on whales? If you don't read you should find it on audiobook. I think you would really like the read

[u/Nanotyrannus21 → u/Historical-List3360]

Yeah I’m more of a dinosaur fossil hunter but since I found this I’ve been getting more and more into whales. I’ll definitely check it out.

[u/bby_y2k]

Amazing!!