This fox was found under a porch in a mummified state and donated to Honey Hollow Visitor Center for others to learn about natural mummification.

Have you ever seen a mummy before?

Many people think of ancient Egypt when they hear the word mummy, but mummification can happen naturally. Although it is very rare, natural mummies can form under the right conditions: lack of oxygen, dry air, and extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

You may be familiar with albinism, but have you ever heard of melanism? While total opposites, the two conditions are actually related. Melanin is a pigment found in hair, skin, feathers, scales, eyes, and even the internal structures of many animal species. 

Albino animals have a complete loss of Melanin, while leucistic animals have a partial loss of this pigment (generally have abnormal coloration and lack the red eyes seen in albino animals). 

Melanistic animals, such as the black squirrel, have an increased amount of melanin which cause them to be darker than standard coloration.

Notice the different shape and size of these two skulls. These animals come from the same families as your dogs and cats at home. 

The bobcat skull is similar to a domestic cat and the coyote skull is similar in structure to a domestic dog. However, the coyote skull is significantly larger and has a longer snout.

Rodent incisor teeth never stop growing! This is called indeterminant growth. The incisors can continue to grow because the base is open and rootless.

To keep their teeth from growing into their brain, rodents will grind their teeth to file them down. Wild rodents will also gnaw on sticks and bark.