Need some help cleaning a half decayed Alligator skull

[TexasIsisHunter]

So I came across this skull off an alligator, looks a few years old and it’s half decayed. I tried hanging in a tree out at our ranch hoping buzzards would pick it clean but this clearly isn’t working. I would really like to clean this thing up and put in my man cave. But I’ve never cleaned anything like this. I’ve read to take a knife and cut as much off the bones as I can, but at that point I don’t know what to do? Also the skull is stuck hinged all the way open, so getting it into a pot to boil it, would be a nightmare. Any recommendations on how to loosen the jaw up without breaking it? I know it needs to get boiled and bleached but I’m not sure how much, time, ETC. or maybe there’s a better method or something y’all might’ve heard of to get it cleaned up? Any input really is appreciated

Edit: I’m know Texas law, and this is currently at my home in Kansas where I’m in the clear to have it. I didn’t kill it, a friend came across what was left of it and I talked him into giving me the head.

[BigThicketBoy]

Look in the DIY section for doing a European mount.
If it works on deer skulls it'll work on an alligator skull.


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[Hoghuntinfool]

Be careful posting this stuff online. In Texas you have to have a permit to possess any alligator parts I believe. I would call TPWD and ask. Cool none the less!


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[TexasIsisHunter]

Be careful posting this stuff online. In Texas you have to have a permit to possess any alligator parts I believe. I would call TPWD and ask. Cool none the less!


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Yeah I’m tracking brother, it’s not in Texas it’s at my home in Kansas


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[Black Ice]

So I came across this skull off an alligator, looks a few years old and it’s half decayed. I tried hanging in a tree out at our ranch hoping buzzards would pick it clean but this clearly isn’t working. I would really like to clean this thing up and put in my man cave. But I’ve never cleaned anything like this. I’ve read to take a knife and cut as much off the bones as I can, but at that point I don’t know what to do? Also the skull is stuck hinged all the way open, so getting it into a pot to boil it, would be a nightmare. Any recommendations on how to loosen the jaw up without breaking it? I know it needs to get boiled and bleached but I’m not sure how much, time, ETC. or maybe there’s a better method or something y’all might’ve heard of to get it cleaned up? Any input really is appreciated

Edit: I’m know Texas law, and this is currently at my home in Kansas where I’m in the clear to have it. I didn’t kill it, a friend came across what was left of it and I talked him into giving me the head.

I’m not a pro but I would cut anything that I could cut to get the jaws to close and boil it in a pot. I would then use bleach/peroxide/sun to whiten it and glue the teeth back in.


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[The Insurance Guy]

Be careful with that skull. DO NOT boil. It will fall apart. Every gator I have cleaned fell apart to some extent. You have to piece it back together after cleaning. You can soak it in water until it rots off the skin that is left. Take it slow and don’t rush or you will end up with a puzzle you can’t put back together

[Jtrisler]

Be careful with that skull. DO NOT boil. It will fall apart. Every gator I have cleaned fell apart to some extent. You have to piece it back together after cleaning. You can soak it in water until it rots off the skin that is left. Take it slow and don’t rush or you will end up with a puzzle you can’t put back together

Yep, don't boil that sucker unless you want a heck of a puzzle to put back together. I would finish rotting it (macerate) by fully submerging in water. It will rehydrate and the bacteria in the water will eventually clean it up. But like beetleguy said......slow and steady with it. It will still fall apart at the sutures.......nose piece and bottom jaw will completely separate.

As others said, check local game laws first! Good luck!

[NannySlayer]

We used to place skulls in ant piles and let the ants do the dirty work for about a week.. attach a rope and brick to it so the coons don’t drag it off. I don’t know if this is the right way about doing what you need done but cool find and good luck...



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[35remington]

I’d bury it in the dirt for about 3 months

[TexasIsisHunter]

Be careful with that skull. DO NOT boil. It will fall apart. Every gator I have cleaned fell apart to some extent. You have to piece it back together after cleaning. You can soak it in water until it rots off the skin that is left. Take it slow and don’t rush or you will end up with a puzzle you can’t put back together

Wow I’m really glad I decided to ask! Do you use hot water or cold? You put bleach or anything in there? Should I cut the skin off with a knife and then soak or just soak it as is?


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[The Insurance Guy]

Cold water and let sit for a LONG time. No soap. Never bleach. You want it to rot. Take detailed pics before because it will fall apart

[peterp63]

YouTube search for Whitebone creations. He does a great job and very informative. He’s done some gator skulls.

Basically you need to rehydrate everything and then start from there like you’d do a normal euro except now it stinks

[Swampa]

Cold water and let sit for a LONG time. No soap. Never bleach. You want it to rot. Take detailed pics before because it will fall apart

LONG like 1 month, 3, 6? Just curious

[The Insurance Guy]

LONG like 1 month, 3, 6? Just curious

Until it’s clean. If the water is warm and bacteria can grow maybe a few weeks. A fish tank heater on low will speed up the process.

[stinkbelly]

We boiled all of our alligator skulls in a tamale pot over a propane burner. They all worked out great.

Maybe tie a rope to it and toss it in a pond until it softens up and then put it in the pot.