Prehistoric Mastodon jaw unearthed in New York backyard, first find in over a decade

Paleontologists have unearthed a prehistoric Mastodon jaw from the backyard of a residence in Orange County, New York. The fossil is the first discovery in over 11 years. The New York State Museum and SUNY Orange (a community college located in Middletown, New York) recovered the jaw and additional bone fragments of a Mastodon from the backyard of a residence near Scotchtown, New York.
The scientists have scheduled a carbon dating and comprehensive analysis to find out the age, diet, habitat, and other characteristics of the Mastodon, during its lifetime. After the analysis, the fossil will be perceived and featured in public programming in 2025, according to the New York State Museum.

The remarkable discovery happened after the homeowner found portions of the jaw protruding from the soil. The resident found two teeth hidden under plant leaves and, upon digging further, uncovered two more teeth just below the surface.

“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,” the resident said in a statement.

The excavation team was able to do a full and well-preserved recovery of the mastodon jaw from an adult, along with a fragment of a toe bone and a rib piece. This fossil will be key in understanding that region’s Ice Age inhabitants. A third of the more than 150 mastodon fossils found in the US is from Orange County, and the region is a key hotspot for ancient relatives of modern elephants.


“The New York State Museum is proud to be home to some of the most talented scientists and researchers in the state and across the nation. As stewards of New York’s history, we are dedicated to advancing research that deepens our understanding of the state's natural legacy and ensuring our discoveries continue to inspire future generations. This discovery highlights the Museum's unwavering mission to empower vital scientific research that reveals the profound changes shaping our environment and inspiring actionable steps toward a more sustainable future,” Michael Mastroianni, Interim Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education said in a release.


“This discovery is a testament to the rich paleontological history of New York and the ongoing efforts to understand its past. This mastodon jaw provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this magnificent species, which will enhance our understanding of the Ice Age ecosystems from this region. Fossils are resources that provide remarkable snapshots of the past, allowing us to not only reconstruct ancient ecosystems but also provide us with better context and understanding of the current world around us. Each discovery like this one brings us one step closer to piecing together the full story of New York,” Dr. Robert Feranec, director of Research & Collections and curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum said.
The scientists are hoping to explore the immediate area further to see if any additional bones are preserved.
(Pic courtesy: X/ @nysmuseum)