A New York homeowner has made a remarkable discovery of a mastodon jaw in their backyard, marking the first such find in over 11 years. The excavation, led by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange, uncovered more bone fragments and a complete adult jaw.
Mastodons are relatives of modern elephants and mammoths that went extinct around 13,000 years ago. Historians say they lived across the Earth, but only fossils found in North America have been strictly identified. The recent discovery is significant because it provides insight into the ecology of mastodons in this region during the Ice Age.
The jaw, which will be preserved and studied by researchers, offers valuable information about mastodon habitats. Over 150 mastodon fossils have been discovered in New York, with a third coming from Orange County. The find has sparked excitement among scientists, who hope to uncover more bones in the surrounding area.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05p9gld4v9o