Carnivore Coprolite with Unusual Surface Features

Cutting Loose
Fossil Type: 
Composition: 
Location: 
Suwannee River, FL
United States
Florida US
Dimensions: 
66 mm x 55 mm x 20 mm high

Although there are no visible inclusions in this coprolite, it does have interesting surface features. Even though this was a rather loose stool, longitudinal marks left by the animal's sphincter are visible. What is really unusual are the lines that run perpendicular to this fecal extrusion. It almost looks as if the specimen was partially submerged in water and then frozen. Could these lines be the impressions left by ice crystals as they formed along the water's edge? Stay tuned for a flash freeze experiment once temperatures are below 0°F here in Minnesota.