New York yardwork reveals mastodon jaw

A Rare Mastodon Jaw Unearthed in New York Backyard

A homeowner in Orange County, New York, made an incredible discovery in his backyard when he stumbled upon a complete mastodon jaw, a piece of toe bone, and a rib fragment. The jaw was excavated by teams from the New York State Museum and State University of New York Orange after the homeowner noticed “two unusual teeth concealed by plant fronds” while tending to his property.

The homeowner, who remains unidentified, expressed excitement over the find and stated, “When I found the teeth and examined them in my hands, I knew they were something special and decided to call in the experts. I’m thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community.”

This discovery marks the first time in 11 years that such a significant mastodon find has been recorded in New York state. More than 150 mastodon fossils have been found statewide, with a third of those discoveries occurring in Orange County, referred to as a “hotspot” for mastodon fossils.

The mastodon jaw provides researchers with a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this ancient species, enhancing our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems in the region, according to Robert Feranec, the museum’s director of research and collections and curator of ice age animals.

Mastodons, distant relatives of modern elephants, roamed North America between 3.75 million and 11,000 years ago. These massive creatures stood between 8 and 10 feet tall and weighed up to six tons. The extinction of mastodons is believed to be a result of competition for food, climate change, and overhunting by early humans.

The mastodon jaw and accompanying fragments will undergo rigorous scientific analysis, including carbon dating and dietary reconstruction. The historical find will be showcased to the public in 2025, providing a glimpse into the prehistoric world of these magnificent creatures.