Historic discovery marks first complete jaw found in state in over a decade

A routine day of gardening turned into a remarkable archaeological discovery when a New York resident uncovered a complete mastodon jaw in his backyard, marking a significant find for paleontologists studying Ice Age ecosystems in the northeastern United States.

Unexpected discovery

The discovery occurred in late September when the homeowner noticed what he initially thought were baseballs protruding from the soil in his garden in Scotchtown, a hamlet located approximately 70 miles north of New York City. Robert Feranec, director of research and collections at the New York State Museum, recounted the moment of discovery: “He picked them up and realized they were teeth.”

Scientific significance

The find represents the first complete mastodon jaw discovered in New York State in 11 years, adding to the state’s rich paleontological history. New York has yielded over 150 mastodon fossil discoveries, with a third of these findings concentrated in Orange County, where this latest discovery was made.

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“While the jaw is the star of the show, the additional toe and rib fragments offer valuable context and the potential for additional research,” said Cory Harris, chair of SUNY Orange’s behavioral sciences department. The well-preserved nature of the specimens has excited researchers, who see this as an opportunity to expand their understanding of Ice Age ecosystems.

Research plans and future exhibition

A joint team from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange’s campus has already begun working at the site. In addition to the jaw, researchers recovered a toe bone and rib fragment, suggesting the possibility of more remains in the area. Harris indicated plans for further exploration: “We are also hoping to further explore the immediate area to see if there are any additional bones that were preserved.”

The research team plans to:

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• Conduct carbon dating to determine the mastodon’s age
• Analyze the fossil to learn about the animal’s diet
• Study the remains to understand its habitat
• Prepare the specimens for public display in the coming year

Historical context

This discovery adds to the region’s rich history of mastodon findings, including the notable discovery of a 13,000-year-old skeleton in Hyde Park, New York, in 2000.

Mastodons, which were distant relatives of modern elephants, inhabited the northeastern United States during the Pleistocene epoch. Unlike their cousins the mammoths, which primarily grazed on grasses, mastodons were browsers, using their large teeth to crush twigs, leaves, and other woody vegetation.

“This specimen 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,”

Feranec explained, highlighting the significance of the discovery for ongoing paleontological research. The public can look forward to viewing these remarkable specimens when they go on display at the New York State Museum in 2025, offering a tangible connection to New York’s prehistoric past.