Dermestid Beetles eating bone??

Hey guys, I tried to find a taxidermy section, but was unsuccessful. I just got a call from the guy processing my Euro mount and he said the beetles ate some of the bone away around the nasal cavity. He said he has seen this happen before if the deer had an injury or even cancer. The bone gets really soft and porous and then the beetles will actually eat away at it. I do remember when I was prepping the skull that there was a lot of puss around the nasal cavity. I just assumed that it was from fighting because he had quiet a few scares on his face.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I have no reason not to trust this guy, but now I am curious to see if something like this can actually happen. Thanks in advance.

 

Definitely looks like it was infected.

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Purely speculation but he could have been hit by a car and busted his face up. The bone may have been in the process of fusing back together and the beetles actually just ate the softer parts.

 

Bummer, but it will be a cool discussion piece when you show it off.

 

Thanks for info guys. You’re right, he will make for a good conversation piece.


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