Mastodon jaw accidentally dug up in New York City yard

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find a piece of history in your own backyard? Well, an Orange County man recently found out. A complete mastodon jawbone was discovered in his backyard near Scotchtown. Lohud tells of the first such discovery in the state in more than 11 years.

“This discovery is a testament to New York City’s rich paleontological history and the ongoing effort to understand its past,” said Dr. Robert Feranetz, director of research and curator of Ice Age animals at the New York State Museum. “The mastodon jaw provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this magnificent species, which will further our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems in the region.”

"Fossils are resources that provide remarkable snapshots of the past. They allow us to not only reconstruct ancient ecosystems, but also provide greater context and understanding of the modern world around us. Every discovery like this brings us one step closer to reconstructing the full history of New York City," he said.

What was found in New York

Were discovered: a complete, well-preserved adult mastodon jaw, part of a toe bone, and a rib fragment.

“While the jaw is the star of the show, the additional toe and rib fragments provide valuable context and potential for additional research,” said SUNY Orange Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Dr. Corey Harris. “We hope to further explore the surrounding area to see if any other bones are preserved.”

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Today, throughout the state found more than 150 mastodon fossils. About a third of them were found in Orange County. The homeowner decided to take a closer look. Initially, he found two teeth covered in plant leaves on his property.

He then discovered two more teeth, buried just a few centimeters underground.

What's next

The fossils will be radiocarbon dated and analyzed in detail. This will help scientists determine the mastodon's age, diet, and habitat throughout its life. The fossils will then be preserved.

What to do if you find something in your yard

The state Department of Education encourages anyone who finds any similar items to report them to the appropriate authorities.

“Each discovery can shed light on the distant past and inspire new generations of scientists and enthusiasts,” the department’s representatives said in conclusion.