Vertebrates

Browse our Q&A about birds, eggs, nests, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Central Coast and Channel Islands.

Bone ID question

I saw this at base of eroding cliffs at Butterfly Beach in Montecito, just curious if animal or possibly human. Thanks. It was just about 10 inches in length.

Aaron, Santa Barbara - May 8, 2023

Curator Response

Hi Aaron,

This bone is not from a human, it's likely a humerus or femur from a cow or horse. The processes (bumpy features where muscles attach that we use to help identify bones) are all eroded off, so it's hard to say more than that.

Stay curious,

Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Krista Fahy, Ph.D.

Aaron response:

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. 
Aaron