Mastodon Jaw Unearthed in Orange County Backyard

A family’s backyard in Orange County, New York, has yielded a significant paleontological discovery: a complete mastodon jaw, the first such find in the state in over 11 years. The jawbone, along with additional bone fragments, was unearthed by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Dr. Cory Harris, Chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, about the ancient find.

Homeowners discovered two teeth hidden by plant fronds on their property. Further investigation revealed two more teeth just beneath the surface. Excavation efforts by the Museum and SUNY Orange staff led to the recovery of the complete adult mastodon jaw, a piece of a toe bone, and a rib fragment.

“When I found the teeth and examined them in my hands, I knew they were something special and decided to call in the experts,” said the homeowner. “I’m thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community.”

With over 150 mastodon fossils found statewide to date, approximately one-third have been found in Orange County, solidifying the region’s importance as a hotspot for these ancient relatives of modern elephants.

“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, director of Research & Collections and curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum. “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.”

The fossils will undergo carbon dating and a comprehensive analysis to glean insights into the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat. After preservation and scientific study, public programming in 2025 will feature the artifacts.

The New York State Museum encourages the public to report any similar discoveries to local authorities, emphasizing the potential of each find to contribute significantly to the understanding of New York’s rich paleontological history.

Image: Recently excavated mastodon tooth in Orange County, still embedded in the jaw. (Credit: New York State Museum)