When this New York resident found a pair of unusual teeth in their backyard, they had no idea this would lead to the recovery of an entire mastodon jaw buried underground! This sizeable fossil was uncovered by experts from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange. Although there’s still plenty of research left to be done, we already know that the jaw’s owner was an adult mastodon. Scientists will be able to learn more about the animal’s life through carbon dating.
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In a press release, the New York State Education Department credited an Orange County homeowner with the significant find. This resident discovered the first couple of teeth hiding behind a plant on their property. A little digging revealed two more of them a few inches beneath the ground. Soon, researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange arrived on the scene. They managed to excavate an entire mastodon jaw! They also found part of a toe bone and a piece of rib. It’s been 11 years since anyone has made such a discovery in the state of New York!
Did you know that Orange County is a great place to find mastodon bones?
Although it’s been a while, New York has produced its fair share of mastodon fossils. In fact, there have been 150 such discoveries throughout the state, around a third of them in Orange County. Scientists are excited about what this recently uncovered mastodon jaw can teach us!
“This discovery is a testament to the rich paleontological history of New York and the ongoing efforts to understand its past,” said Dr. Robert Feranec, the New York State Museum’s director of Research and Collections and curator of Ice Age Animals.
He added, “This mastodon jaw 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.”
As for the homeowner who discovered the mastodon teeth on their property, they couldn’t be more proud!
“When I found the teeth and examined them in my hands, I knew they were something special and decided to call in the experts,” they said. “I’m thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community.”
In a Facebook post, the New York State Museum reiterated the crucial role that fossils play in comprehending our planet.
“Thanks to the keen observation of the homeowners, this incredible discovery will provide valuable insights into New York’s Ice Age history,” they wrote. “Every fossil find, no matter how small, has the potential to shed light on the distant past and inspire new generations of scientists and enthusiasts.”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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