New Skull Sets for the Library.

**Kiltboy** · 28th December 10, 06:58 AM

Thanks for labeling the pictures. I am amazed by the jaw on the skunk.

**artificer** · 28th December 10, 07:04 AM

Have either of you considered a Beauchene Skull?

**Bugbear** · 28th December 10, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

Skull collecting! Just when I thought I had heard of all the weird hobbies people have...

That's really cool! I'm impressed with all the detail you go into! I had no idea people did this!

That's what you need to do, Hawk; a new hobby.

I know several people who collect skuls and bones etc for use as models in art.

There's a flesh eating beatle that cleans them up, and also ants, or even the middle of a good compost pile.

**BoldHighlander** · 28th December 10, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbear

There's a flesh eating beatle that cleans them up, and also ants, or even the middle of a good compost pile.

A buddy of mine, who gave me "Spur", takes the partially cleaned skulls he's going to keep & just puts up on the roof of his workshop for a few months, lets "nature" work them over

**tyger** · 29th December 10, 05:11 AM

Yes, the skunk has impressive dentation. One doesn't really think about what the skunk eats until one sees his teeth. Remember too that the skunk is very cat-like, and you know what cats eat!

**Woodsman** · 30th December 10, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbear

That's what you need to do, Hawk; a new hobby.

I know several people who collect skuls and bones etc for use as models in art.

There's a flesh eating beatle that cleans them up, and also ants, or even the middle of a good compost pile.

I almost forgot about the 2 turtles (Chrysemys, Terrapene) in my compost pile. One is in a nylon screen bag and another just buried as is. At the time I tried to mark their location by allignment with trees, now I forget where the hec they are. It will be like trying to find a turtle in a haystack.

**Tartan Hiker** · 30th December 10, 08:34 PM

I've had lots of experience cleaning skulls with Dermestid beetles, and if anyone out there is thinking about going that route be very, very careful. It's almost impossible to keep the little blighters contained, and once they get out they will eat LOTS of stuff, including taxidermy mounts, carpets, and (gasp) wool clothing. YIKES!

Originally Posted by tyger

Yes, the skunk has impressive dentation. One doesn't really think about what the skunk eats until one sees his teeth. Remember too that the skunk is very cat-like, and you know what cats eat!

Skunks, like all the mustelids, have wicked choppers. No wonder they have so few natural enemies.

QUIZ!!!! Aside from automobiles, what is the number one predator of the striped skunk in most regions of the eastern US?

**BoldHighlander** · 30th December 10, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

QUIZ!!!! Aside from automobiles, what is the number one predator of the striped skunk in most regions of the eastern US?

I'd say man (trappers) but I'm sure that's wrong

Just a wild stab in the dark (& again I'm sure incorrect):
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake?

I use to dabble in buckskin & fur work....I'll have to post a picture or two of a Striped Skunk hat I made a while back (my old m/c helmet is also covered in skunk hide ).