A complete mastodon jaw fossil has been discovered in a backyard in Scotchtown, New York, marking the first such find in over 11 years. The jaw, along with other bone fragments, was found by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange. Scheduled for carbon dating and analysis, the discovery aims to uncover more about the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat.
The jaw protruded from topsoil, caught by a homeowner’s attention while searching for unusual plant life on their property. Further investigation uncovered two teeth hidden beneath leaves and another two just inches underground. The excavation yielded an adult mastodon jaw, a toe bone piece, and a rib fragment, shedding new light on the region’s Ice Age inhabitants.
Dr. Cory Harris from SUNY Orange noted that while the jaw is significant, additional fragments like the toe and rib bones offer valuable context for further research. Plans are in place to explore the surrounding area for more preserved remains.
The homeowner expressed excitement about their property contributing to scientific knowledge, saying they had known the teeth were special when handling them and promptly contacted experts. The state education department highlighted that over 150 mastodon fossils have been found statewide, with a notable number discovered in Orange County.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/18/mastodon-jaw-fossil-found-new-york/77063568007