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New York homeowner's yardwork reveals mastodon jaw

A complete mastodon jaw was unearthed in the backyard of a residential home near Scotchtown, New York, according to the New York State Museum. New York State Museum
A complete mastodon jaw was unearthed in the backyard of a residential home near Scotchtown, New York, according to the New York State Museum. New York State Museum

A homeowner in Orange County, New York, made an extraordinary discovery while tending to his yard—an entire mastodon jaw. The New York State Museum confirmed the find, which also included a piece of toe bone and a rib fragment. The homeowner noticed “two unusual teeth concealed by plant fronds” and decided to seek expert advice, leading to an excavation by teams from the New York State Museum and the State University of New York Orange.

The homeowner, who remains unnamed, expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community.” This is the first significant mastodon fossil find in New York in 11 years. Over 150 mastodon fossils have been unearthed across the state, with Orange County accounting for about one-third of the discoveries, making it a recognized hotspot for such finds.

Mastodons, distant relatives of modern elephants, roamed North America between 3.75 million and 11,000 years ago. Standing 8 to 10 feet tall and weighing up to six tons, they played a crucial role in Ice Age ecosystems. Scientists attribute their extinction to a combination of climate change, food competition, and overhunting by early humans.A complete mastodon jaw was unearthed in the backyard of a residential home near Scotchtown, New York, according to the New York State Museum. New York State Museum

The museum plans to conduct in-depth studies on the jaw and bone fragments, including carbon dating and dietary analysis, to gain insights into the mastodon’s life and the Ice Age environment. The artifacts will be displayed publicly in 2025, offering a unique glimpse into a prehistoric world.

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