A homeowner in New York uncovered a complete mastodon jaw in their backyard, leading to what officials are calling a ‘remarkable discovery.’ The jaw, belonging to an extinct mammal similar to an elephant, along with several bone fragments, was excavated by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange. The fossils will undergo carbon dating and extensive analysis to gain insights into the mastodon’s age, diet, and environment. The museum plans to showcase the findings in public programming by 2025.
The homeowner first noticed the jaw when they spotted two unusual teeth hidden under plant fronds, prompting further investigation. The discovery is noted as the first of its kind in New York in 11 years and considered a ‘prehistoric treasure.’ Additionally, the site yielded a piece of a toe bone and a rib fragment, providing valuable context for further research.
Museum officials said 150 mastodon fossils have been found across New York, but a third of them have come from Orange County, where the jaw was discovered. Cory Harris, Chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, noted the importance of the find, stating that while the jaw is the star of the show, the additional toe and rib fragments offer valuable context and the potential for additional research. The team is also hoping to further explore the immediate area for more bones that may have been preserved.