[Publius]

Looks like ambulocetas, the ancestor of all dolphins and whales.

[B-Chan]

My impression as well.

[MineralMan]

"Looks like ambulocetas, the ancestor of all dolphins and whales.

"

That was my thought, too. It's teeth, though, are that of an herbivore, I think. Look at the way the teeth and tooth sockets extend in a simple row, clear to the front of the mouth. No spots for canine teeth there, although this critter's teeth could be peg-like, as in the whales. I just can't see enough detail.

The structure of the tail is also very interesting, not at all like any land mammals I'm aware of.

I do hope this gets to a place that can study it properly. It's gotta smell REALLY bad.

[Lady Jag]

Good Call! Googling brought up a bunch of stuff that seems to confirm your suspicions.

[Invisible Gorilla]

Looks like ambulocetas, the ancestor of all dolphins and whales.

How about the early whale basilosaurus, aka zeuglodon?

[mysterio]

Looks like ambulocetas, the ancestor of all dolphins and whales.



Good call. I think you're right. That's amazing.

[FastCoyote]

"Looks like ambulocetas, the ancestor of all dolphins and whales."

That's about as close as I can come to figuring it out. I thought, a fake using a horse head, but no nostril holes and the teeth don't seem right. Rib cage too big for alligator. Long prominent spine indicates a creature that swims. Holy cow, about all that is left is ambulocetas.

[MD_Willington_1976]

Probably thawed out of something and washed ashore. Like the Mammoths they find occasionally

Link to ambulocetus image: http://www.answersingenesis.org/Espanol/images/docs/ambulocetus.gif