Stylemys nebrascensis fossil tortoise from Sioux county Nebraska, Brule Formation
What makes this fossil stand out from typical well-preserved Stylemys shells is the dramatic crushing and other evidence of a violent prehistoric encounter: the right front portion of the carapace is clearly crushed by a predator with clear puncture marks present as well. Based on the spacing and size my guess would be the predator was likely a Daphoenus
There is a clear puncture of an entire canine on the underside of the specimen, circled in red. mostly perpendicular to that on the upper side is a visible mark from the upper canine that did not completely puncture. The crushing on the other side make it hard to determine where the left canines of the predator exactly made contact, but i have outlined the most likely areas in yellow.
Three of the four leg holes have exposed bones, as well exposed under the crushed carapace.
Super awesome specimen you likely won't see again for a long time
No restoration
Measures about 6.75" in length by 5.8" in width by2.7" tall
