For August, we have a mystery skull from a small mammal. This particular skull was found in a building in south Minneapolis, but I have also found them in owl pellets. Unlike tracks, skulls usually allow us to identify tiny mammals to species--making owl pellets a rich source of information. The question is: who? The skull measures 18mm long (not including the front incisors, which protrude slightly) and 13mm wide across the zygomatic arches.

An ideal answer will identify the animal to species, explain how you arrived at your answer, and explain how you eliminated other candidates and possibilities. Your explanation will help others benefit from your process as you puzzle through this.

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Answers are due by September 7.