r/bonecollecting • u/losing_the_plot_ • 4d ago

Advice Hare skeleton

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Was very excited to find this hare skeleton in the woods at work today! It's pretty much complete, just missing an arm.

I've macerated/degreased (sheep) skulls but never been lucky enough to find a whole specimen before. Is there a way I can prep this without it coming into a hundred tiny pieces, or am I going to have to prepare for my first articulation? It doesn't have any soft bits left, just a little skin and hairy feet.

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u/aughtism 4d ago

I usually separate each 'part' and keep in separate labelled containers. 'Left foot' for example.

If you're really keen, you can mascerate the parts in shallow trays without moving them until all the bones are freed of connective tissue. Now pick each bone out - ensuring to maintain each one's relative position - and transfer onto a clean flat surface and photograph (I use old plastic chopping boards) before further cleaning.

Won't make it easy, but stops it being almost impossible!

Good luck - only only Hare I've ever found was roadkill. The body was in great shape, but the head ... was in no shape. Still looking!