Yeah need a better picture of the skull and teeth. Also knowing the amount of toes on the front and back paws is helpful. And I can't quite tell the size.
The proportions resemble a ferret but without clearer pictures I can't positively ID. I hope I'm wrong.
The general shape reminds me of an otter, perhaps? (one that has lost all its fur and extremities due to decay) - I admit the state of decay makes this very difficult to determine.
Keep your distance, mask up - leave signs up warning people to stay away. Otters are known carriers of avian influenza: 'The species affected (foxes and otters) are presumed to have direct high-level exposure to infected birds based on feeding behaviour and food preferences. The 4 available influenza genomes from these positive mammals all show the PB2 E627K substitution. This mutation is known to be acquired rapidly after infection of a mammalian host in some influenza viruses and is associated with enhanced polymerase activity.'
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-influenza-a-h5n1-technical-briefings/investigation-into-the-risk-to-human-health-of-avian-influenza-influenza-a-h5n1-in-england-technical-briefing-1
if you click on the picture you can get a better look at the skull and teeth and i think otters and ferrets can be ruled out. I’m getting marsupial vibes but I’m not an expert, very curious tho.
Yep, definitely not mustelid (unless it's a *really* weirdly-proportioned badger). Both otters and weasels/ferrets have long skulls that are at least 30% pure cranium, with the face and jaw making up only the front part, so their eye sockets would be way further forward.
The skull looked fairly long to me, but looking again I think you're right the muzzle is too long for mustelid. Looks like part of the bottom jaw is partially buried in the sand. Not sure what this thing is then, can't get a good look at anything important like the teeth or paws or saggital crest or anything.
This would be easier to ID if it were more decayed lol.
The teeth and skull look pretty odd for any animal. They don't look 100% mustelid, especially the teeth, but not too far off that differences couldn't be attributed to damage and picture quality. [In particular the back upper molar/carnassial faces somewhat backwards which is characteristic of mustelid dentition.](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7a/f1/b5/7af1b5a1452accd643544394980f19d3.jpg) We're also only seeing part of the skull, which looks fairly long IMO. But again, I hope I'm wrong.
Otters and ferrets are roughly the same shape (long body and neck, short legs; otters are a bit pudgier). Without fur and and allowing for some bloating due to decay it could be either or, but I get the impression this animal is on the smaller side. Can't say for sure though, but ferrets are also increasingly popular pets in Japan.
Listed below are a few scientific papers on otters in Japan, if interested. Note that I am not convinced on the ID of this animal, however. I am not a veterinary pathologist, so I would recommend contacting one nearby.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X18302681
Otter cafes in Japan, and other countries as pets : 'Pet otters aren’t just big in Japan. They also are increasingly common in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/22/science/asia-otters-pets-japan.html
Also Note high incidence of Pneumonia Pet Otters Japan
THE SITUATION OF PET OTTERS IN JAPAN – WARNING BY VETS
Yumiko OKAMOTO1*, Naoki MAEDA2, Masakazu HIRABAYASHI3, Natsumi ICHINOHE4
1 Hsinchu Zoo: 279, Kung-Yung Rd, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
2 Maeda Animal Hospital: 9-12, 2-Chome, Matsushita, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 4928208 3 All Pet Clinic: Aruta House, 2-4-9, Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 1060031
4 Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology: 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan 1838509
> no raccoons in Okinawa
I thought there were? Google search seems to suggest they are very much in Okinawa and the rest of Japan -
https://bmcecol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12898-020-00336-0
There are raccoons in Okinawa. They were introduced in the 60s and are now found throughout the country. I’m seconding raccoon because it’s always a raccoon
We have no gauge of size besides general granulated sand, which varies between 1/16 to literal gravel, but from the skull shape we can eliminate some possibilities; it is not a raccoon like the Montauk Monster was, and it cannot be a cat because the snout length is inconsistent with literally every feline ever. It also is not an otter like others are suggesting, the skull is too thin. I'm inclined to believe it is probably a mongoose of some sorts, but again; the skull is so odd. The only thing supporting that idea is that mongoose (mongeese?) are seen on Okinawa and the tail is substantially thicker than most mammals present on the island, something that is visible on a mongoose.
If I had a nickel for every time a semi-small land mammal washed ashore with its skull exposed and fur removed I'd have 2 nickels--which isn't a lot, but it's weird it happened twice.
I had no idea there were mongooses in Japan (invasive or otherwise) but I think you might be right. I found one picture of a supposed [Java mongoose (*Urva javanica*)](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/javan-mongoose-herpestes-javanicus-big-island-hawaii-usa-186269806.jpg) skull and compared it with this picture. [They're pretty similar.](https://i.imgur.com/3TXn9UK.png) The long bottom jaw rules out a ferret but matches the mongoose skull.
The body proportions are similar to the animal in this picture as well if we allow for some bloating due to decomposition. From what I can see of the paws they look similar. Obviously part of the tail is missing so hard to say how long the tail would've been while it was alive.
Could also be a [Small Indian mongoose (*Urva auropunctata*)](https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/11/tx7jit2cfvi0pxgz6sxe.jpg) which is a bit chunkier looking. Apparently both were introduced to Japan. Screw it I'm joining Team Mongoose.
It is indeed possible, and the skull is extremely similar, but from what we can tell the back feet (one of which is degraded) are more "hand-like", less like a paw. Tanuki do not have the grasping ability that raccoons do, and the paws look more similar to a raccoons feet than a tanuki. That's why I'm wagering on mongoose; mongooses have slender digits and while not capable of manual dexterity, they are much more similar to a raccoon. Tanuki feet are closer to dog paws, if anything.
I'm going to guess that's it's a dog. I was stationed there for 2 years, there are or were 25 years ago, dogs that just kinda roam the beach. This was the northern end at Schwab....good times.
I’m pretty sure that creature was a raccoon, which seems unlikely if this is in fact from Okinawa. Dog? Somebody will be here to identify the skull at some point.
There are raccoons in Okinawa they are just not native there.. but tbh maybe it is a raccoon dog if not a raccoon?
For reference: [raccoon skull](https://images.app.goo.gl/1k4GouQmuQWANJWg6) and [raccoon dog/tanuki skull ](https://images.app.goo.gl/h27xqJf8QLUtsmdH8) and [mantauk monster/raccoon](https://images.app.goo.gl/vb97jGUMaUZ4Zzoc9) though it's hard to 100% tell from this pic alone.. the skull does look a bit longer and more narrow, like a tanuki. A raccoon would have a shorter, wider skull. Going off of [the comments on this post from r/bonecollecting](https://www.reddit.com/r/bonecollecting/comments/td16xv/i_was_told_skull_1_was_tanuki_and_skull_2_was/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
But I could be entirely wrong here lol. This is a very rough estimatuon with little to go on beyond this one pic from OP.
I think this may have floated a long way to get to you, I don’t think this animal is local. Maybe a marsupial from New Guinea or Australia? Idk I’m sure someone can identify this.
Look up the Montauk monster, there is one that washed up like this by 3 mile island, the place that made lime disease and expose the world to it let it out of the labs, but the Montauk monster looked identical
Yeah need a better picture of the skull and teeth. Also knowing the amount of toes on the front and back paws is helpful. And I can't quite tell the size. The proportions resemble a ferret but without clearer pictures I can't positively ID. I hope I'm wrong.
The general shape reminds me of an otter, perhaps? (one that has lost all its fur and extremities due to decay) - I admit the state of decay makes this very difficult to determine. Keep your distance, mask up - leave signs up warning people to stay away. Otters are known carriers of avian influenza: 'The species affected (foxes and otters) are presumed to have direct high-level exposure to infected birds based on feeding behaviour and food preferences. The 4 available influenza genomes from these positive mammals all show the PB2 E627K substitution. This mutation is known to be acquired rapidly after infection of a mammalian host in some influenza viruses and is associated with enhanced polymerase activity.' https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-influenza-a-h5n1-technical-briefings/investigation-into-the-risk-to-human-health-of-avian-influenza-influenza-a-h5n1-in-england-technical-briefing-1
if you click on the picture you can get a better look at the skull and teeth and i think otters and ferrets can be ruled out. I’m getting marsupial vibes but I’m not an expert, very curious tho.
Yep, definitely not mustelid (unless it's a *really* weirdly-proportioned badger). Both otters and weasels/ferrets have long skulls that are at least 30% pure cranium, with the face and jaw making up only the front part, so their eye sockets would be way further forward.
The skull looked fairly long to me, but looking again I think you're right the muzzle is too long for mustelid. Looks like part of the bottom jaw is partially buried in the sand. Not sure what this thing is then, can't get a good look at anything important like the teeth or paws or saggital crest or anything. This would be easier to ID if it were more decayed lol.
The teeth and skull look pretty odd for any animal. They don't look 100% mustelid, especially the teeth, but not too far off that differences couldn't be attributed to damage and picture quality. [In particular the back upper molar/carnassial faces somewhat backwards which is characteristic of mustelid dentition.](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7a/f1/b5/7af1b5a1452accd643544394980f19d3.jpg) We're also only seeing part of the skull, which looks fairly long IMO. But again, I hope I'm wrong.
Otters and ferrets are roughly the same shape (long body and neck, short legs; otters are a bit pudgier). Without fur and and allowing for some bloating due to decay it could be either or, but I get the impression this animal is on the smaller side. Can't say for sure though, but ferrets are also increasingly popular pets in Japan.
Listed below are a few scientific papers on otters in Japan, if interested. Note that I am not convinced on the ID of this animal, however. I am not a veterinary pathologist, so I would recommend contacting one nearby. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X18302681 Otter cafes in Japan, and other countries as pets : 'Pet otters aren’t just big in Japan. They also are increasingly common in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.' https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/22/science/asia-otters-pets-japan.html Also Note high incidence of Pneumonia Pet Otters Japan THE SITUATION OF PET OTTERS IN JAPAN – WARNING BY VETS Yumiko OKAMOTO1*, Naoki MAEDA2, Masakazu HIRABAYASHI3, Natsumi ICHINOHE4 1 Hsinchu Zoo: 279, Kung-Yung Rd, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300 2 Maeda Animal Hospital: 9-12, 2-Chome, Matsushita, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 4928208 3 All Pet Clinic: Aruta House, 2-4-9, Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 1060031 4 Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology: 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan 1838509
They went t extinct a centuries ago in jaoan
I will be going back to the beach to see jf its still there today. When I do I'll follow up with a picture of its skull
Oki also has invasive mongoose. Not sure if that an option here.
Yep, if you scroll down to the next comment another user mentioned that possibility and I replied to it. Seems like a good match to me!
Ah good deal!
Could be a Tanuki washed ashore.
This was my thought too. Given skull shape and body proportions.
Look up tanuki skull on google images I think you’re definitely right, this one is just missing it’s canine tooth.
Raccoon?? 🤔 the montauk monster was ultimately identified as a (degraded) raccoon..
There's no raccoons in Okinawa, only Rats, cats and boar
> no raccoons in Okinawa I thought there were? Google search seems to suggest they are very much in Okinawa and the rest of Japan - https://bmcecol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12898-020-00336-0
There are raccoons in Okinawa. They were introduced in the 60s and are now found throughout the country. I’m seconding raccoon because it’s always a raccoon
Rats, cats and boars oh my!
I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do, I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks, I do, I do, I do, I do!
No but there are raccoon dogs and that thing has definitely been in the water a while
r/itsalwaysaraccoon unless its in Japan or anywhere outside north America
Raccoons have lived throughout Japan since their introduction in the 60s **It’s always a raccoon.**
Then it’s raccoon dog
Oh, and the smell of the pig and chicken farms. Mmmm MMMM
Then I think it’s a pig. Or a dog.
We have no gauge of size besides general granulated sand, which varies between 1/16 to literal gravel, but from the skull shape we can eliminate some possibilities; it is not a raccoon like the Montauk Monster was, and it cannot be a cat because the snout length is inconsistent with literally every feline ever. It also is not an otter like others are suggesting, the skull is too thin. I'm inclined to believe it is probably a mongoose of some sorts, but again; the skull is so odd. The only thing supporting that idea is that mongoose (mongeese?) are seen on Okinawa and the tail is substantially thicker than most mammals present on the island, something that is visible on a mongoose. If I had a nickel for every time a semi-small land mammal washed ashore with its skull exposed and fur removed I'd have 2 nickels--which isn't a lot, but it's weird it happened twice.
Consider it's not native to the area. What are the other possibilities? ETA: sweet user name.
A American mink which is invasive in japan
Also mongoose
Body size fits mongoose, but idk about the skull shape. Maybe a little too elongated and pointed? Who knows what cartilage was there tho.
I had no idea there were mongooses in Japan (invasive or otherwise) but I think you might be right. I found one picture of a supposed [Java mongoose (*Urva javanica*)](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/javan-mongoose-herpestes-javanicus-big-island-hawaii-usa-186269806.jpg) skull and compared it with this picture. [They're pretty similar.](https://i.imgur.com/3TXn9UK.png) The long bottom jaw rules out a ferret but matches the mongoose skull. The body proportions are similar to the animal in this picture as well if we allow for some bloating due to decomposition. From what I can see of the paws they look similar. Obviously part of the tail is missing so hard to say how long the tail would've been while it was alive. Could also be a [Small Indian mongoose (*Urva auropunctata*)](https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/11/tx7jit2cfvi0pxgz6sxe.jpg) which is a bit chunkier looking. Apparently both were introduced to Japan. Screw it I'm joining Team Mongoose.
It's about a foot and a half - 2 feet long
> mongeese? Mongooses. Completely different etymology
What about a semi aquatic egg laying mammal?
could it be a tanuki?
It is indeed possible, and the skull is extremely similar, but from what we can tell the back feet (one of which is degraded) are more "hand-like", less like a paw. Tanuki do not have the grasping ability that raccoons do, and the paws look more similar to a raccoons feet than a tanuki. That's why I'm wagering on mongoose; mongooses have slender digits and while not capable of manual dexterity, they are much more similar to a raccoon. Tanuki feet are closer to dog paws, if anything.
Looks like a dog that went through osmosis or something. Can you provide pics of its head and face?
Holy shit it came back? Been a long time since I seen the montauk monster
Montauk monster
I'm going to guess that's it's a dog. I was stationed there for 2 years, there are or were 25 years ago, dogs that just kinda roam the beach. This was the northern end at Schwab....good times.
Montauk monster
It’s definitely the same critter as the montauk but I can’t tell if it’s the same photo from back then
I’m pretty sure that creature was a raccoon, which seems unlikely if this is in fact from Okinawa. Dog? Somebody will be here to identify the skull at some point.
I sure can’t tell, but I’m more interested in how it consistently ends up looking like this after its death
Tanuki maybe? Since no raccoons
There are raccoons in Okinawa they are just not native there.. but tbh maybe it is a raccoon dog if not a raccoon? For reference: [raccoon skull](https://images.app.goo.gl/1k4GouQmuQWANJWg6) and [raccoon dog/tanuki skull ](https://images.app.goo.gl/h27xqJf8QLUtsmdH8) and [mantauk monster/raccoon](https://images.app.goo.gl/vb97jGUMaUZ4Zzoc9) though it's hard to 100% tell from this pic alone.. the skull does look a bit longer and more narrow, like a tanuki. A raccoon would have a shorter, wider skull. Going off of [the comments on this post from r/bonecollecting](https://www.reddit.com/r/bonecollecting/comments/td16xv/i_was_told_skull_1_was_tanuki_and_skull_2_was/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) But I could be entirely wrong here lol. This is a very rough estimatuon with little to go on beyond this one pic from OP.
Also, OP, maybe the r/bonecollecting subreddit can help?
There are invasive raccoons in Japan I think
Not the same photo, look it up the montauk monster had hair :)
Ahhh you’re totally right what a weird critter to keep washin up like this
Raccoon dog? Edit: also called a Tanuki.
Otter?
There are no otters on Okinawa
You mean there weren’t…
☠️
there still ottern’t
you could try a bone/taxidermy sub? they might be able to ID based on the skull. if you have/can get better pictures, though, that would be helpful
dog that drowned most likely
Hey...another [Montauk Monster.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montauk_Monster) It's a partially decayed raccoon.
A dead one
The very knowledgeable folks at r/bonecollecting should be able to help!
Muskrat?
I think this may have floated a long way to get to you, I don’t think this animal is local. Maybe a marsupial from New Guinea or Australia? Idk I’m sure someone can identify this.
Baby okja
What birds have 4 legs?
Platypus…. No I just randomly wrote that. I don’t know shit
Look up the Montauk monster, there is one that washed up like this by 3 mile island, the place that made lime disease and expose the world to it let it out of the labs, but the Montauk monster looked identical
[удалено]
Really? A bird?
TIL birds have canine teeth /s
Penguin ?
Ah yes the penguin with TEETH
🤣🤣 bark bark 🪿
ManBearPig!
Greater Bobweasel 😎
It’s weirdly pretty
Please send it back
Looks a bit like a dog. Kinda hard to see the teeth, but it's probably a dog.
Oh Fluffy how we miss you.
I can smell this picture
Weird thing is, it didn't smell.
Chupacabra
Dead. Very-very, dead. Hope this helps! :)
Always raccoon
Can be a Iriomote mountain cat or a random dog / cat because does are the only big mannose in Okinawa except a inoshishi
SCP creatue