Complete Mastodon Jaw Unearthed in Orange County Marks Major Discovery in New York

Mastodon tooth embedded in the jaw at the excavation site
Recently excavated mastodon tooth, still embedded in the jaw

 

First find of its kind in over a decade sheds light on the region’s Ice Age past

A remarkable discovery in Orange County, New York, has unearthed a complete mastodon jaw, marking the first such find in the state in over 11 years. This prehistoric treasure, along with additional bone fragments, was excavated by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange from a residential backyard near Scotchtown, NY.

The fossils—discovered by a curious homeowner—will undergo carbon dating and extensive scientific analysis to determine the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat. Once preserved and studied, the jaw and related findings will be showcased in public programming in 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into New York’s rich Ice Age history.

mastodontooth-excavation.jpg

A group of people excavating mastodon teeth from the ground
NYSM & SUNY Orange staff work to excavate Mastodon teeth and jaw

A Discovery Close to Home

The discovery began with an ordinary observation that led to an extraordinary find when a homeowner, while tending to their property, noticed two unusual teeth concealed by plant fronds and, intrigued, dug a bit deeper to uncover two more teeth just inches beneath the surface. For the homeowner, whose backyard yielded this incredible find, the experience has been both surreal and rewarding. “When I found the teeth and examined them in my hands, I knew they were something special and decided to call in the experts. I’m thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community.”

A Window into the Ice Age

Excavation efforts by the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange unearthed a full, well-preserved mastodon jaw belonging to an adult individual. Alongside the jaw, researchers also recovered a piece of a toe bone and a rib fragment, offering valuable additional clues about the mastodon’s life and environment.

Two mastodon teeth in the dirt
Two Mastodon molars at the excavation site
Mastodon Toes
Excavated Mastodon toe (bottom) compared with a Temple Hill Mastodon toe (top)

 

This discovery is a significant contribution to understanding the Ice Age ecosystems that once thrived in New York. With over 150 mastodon fossils discovered across the state—one-third of which come from Orange County—the region remains a hotspot for these prehistoric giants, which are distant relatives of modern elephants.

Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research & Collections and Curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum, emphasized the importance of such finds.

“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. Fossils allow us to reconstruct ancient environments and better understand the world around us today.”

Scientific Collaboration and Future Research

The excavation has sparked excitement among scientists and researchers who hope to uncover even more from the site. Dr. Cory Harris, Chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, noted, “While the jaw is the star of the show, the additional toe and rib fragments offer valuable context and the potential for additional research. We are also hoping to further explore the immediate area for more bones that may have been preserved.” This collaborative effort underscores the importance of New York’s paleontological heritage and highlights how ordinary citizens can play a role in uncovering history.

Mastodon jaw in the lab
Initial stages Mastodon jaw conservation in the NYSM lab

 

What’s Next?

The mastodon jaw and its accompanying fragments will undergo rigorous scientific analysis, including carbon dating and dietary reconstruction, to piece together the life story of this Ice Age giant. By 2025, the findings will take center stage in public programming, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with one of New York’s most fascinating prehistoric discoveries.

Michael Mastroianni, Interim Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, underscored the Museum’s commitment, 'This discovery highlights the Museum's unwavering mission to empower vital scientific research that reveals the profound changes shaping our environment and inspires actionable steps toward a more sustainable future.”

For now, the jaw serves as a powerful reminder of the wonders that lie just beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.

A Message to Future Discoverers

The New York State Museum encourages the public to report any similar discoveries to appropriate authorities. 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.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting discovery and the secrets it will reveal about New York’s ancient past!


Dr. Robert Feranec on set at WTEN

In the Spotlight: NYSM Paleontologist Discusses the Mastodon Find

WTEN Albany | Monday, December 23, 2024
Dr. Robert Feranec, NYSM’s Director of Research & Collections and Curator of Ice Age Paleontology, took to the local Albany airwaves on WTEN to share the excitement about the recent mastodon jaw discovery in Orange County, NY. During the interview, he showcased the toe and rib that were found with the mastodon jaw and highlighted the next steps in preserving and studying the rare fossils.