Recently, in Orange County, New York state, a complete fossilized lower jawbone of a mastodon was unearthed, marking the first discovery of its kind in the state in 11 years. This discovery has sparked considerable interest in the scientific community.
According to a press release from the New York State Museum, the intact and well-preserved lower jawbone was excavated from the backyard of a residence near Scotchtown village in Orange County by researchers from the New York State Museum and the State University of New York at Orange.
Prior to this, the homeowner discovered two teeth under a plant in their backyard, and upon further excavation, two more similar teeth were found a few inches underground. Realizing the significance of this find, the homeowner promptly contacted professionals for assistance.
The homeowner, who chose to remain anonymous, stated in the museum’s press release, “When I found these teeth and examined them in my hand, I knew they were special, so I decided to seek help from experts. I am thrilled to know that our yard harbored something so important to the scientific community.”
Subsequently, the research team successfully unearthed the complete mastodon lower jawbone, along with a toe bone and a fragment of a rib bone at the site. Preliminary assessments indicate that these fossils belong to an adult mastodon.
Mastodons (Mammut) are large mammals related to modern elephants and mammoths, which went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago. They once inhabited forests worldwide, with primary distributions in North and Central America, reaching shoulder heights of 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3 meters) and weighing up to 6 tons.
“While the discovery of the lower jawbone fossil is the most exciting part, the additional toe bone and rib fragment may provide valuable insights into this large prehistoric animal,” stated Dr. Cory Harris, Director of the Behavioral Sciences department at SUNY Orange. They hope to conduct further excavations in the vicinity to uncover more fossils.
Orange County has been a hotspot for mastodon fossils, with approximately one-third of the 150 mastodon fossils discovered in New York State to date coming from the county.
“This discovery showcases New York State’s rich paleontological history and the relentless efforts people put into understanding its past,” remarked Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research and Collections at the New York State Museum and curator of the Ice Age Animals Museum. “This mastodon lower jawbone is a remarkable find, providing a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this majestic species, enhancing our understanding of the Ice Age ecosystem in the region.”
Officials from the New York State Museum have announced that they will conduct radiocarbon dating and comprehensive analyses on these fossils to determine the exact age, dietary habits, and living conditions of the mammal during the Ice Age. Upon completion of the research by scientists, the lower jawbone will be exhibited at the New York State Museum in 2025.