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The recent discovery of two long-nosed peccary (genus Mylohyus) skulls and associated postcranial remains in Shenandoah Wild Cave (SWC) prompted a series of expeditions to assess, document, and collect fossil material over the past year and a half. All specimens are in cramped, narrow passages where they are heavily obscured by mud. Although the current entrance is relatively close to the fossil deposits, a combination of narrow passages, two vertical drops, and an abundance of wet mud makes recovery trips challenging.
To protect the fragile bones during recovery and retain relatively "light" packs that fit through tight squeezes, specimens were wrapped in plastic wrap followed by polyester batting, then secured in plastic containers with additional polyester batting prior to placement in cave packs. This method provides adequate stabilization while exiting the cave, which includes dragging, pushing, and hoisting packs. Back in the fossil preparation lab at ETSU, mud covered specimens were unwrapped, dried, cleaned with water and 91% alcohol, dried again, and then stabilized with archival Butvar. In some cases, fragmentary specimens have been reconstructed.
We have now collected and prepared portions of five individuals, including four adults and one juvenile, but most material is still in the cave awaiting future expeditions. Because Mylohyus is relatively rare compared to other extinct Pleistocene fauna, the recovery of multiple skeletons from this cave is significant for paleontological research.
laine W. Schubert, David A. Hubbard, Jr., Davis Gunnin, Shay Maden, and Laura Emmert