Fossilized Mastodon Unearthed In Hudson Valley Prehistoric Find

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — The world is turning its eyes toward the Hudson Valley after a fascinating prehistoric find was unearthed, marking the first new mastadon fossil in over a decade.

The amazing discovery in Orange County of a complete mastodon jaw, is the first such find in the state in over 11 years, according to scientists. The jaw, along with additional bone fragments, were recovered by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange from the backyard of a residence near Scotchtown.

The fossils are scheduled for carbon-dating and a comprehensive analysis to determine the mastodon's age, diet, and habitat during its lifetime. After preservation and scientific analysis, the artifact will be featured in public programming in 2025, according to the researchers.

The fossilized jaw, which belonged to an adult, was found sticking out from the topsoil, capturing the homeowner's notice and sparking an investigation that will continue to uncover scientific insights for several years to come, according to those associated with the dig.

The discovery was made when the homeowner found two teeth hidden by the fronds of a plant on their property. After a little more investigation, the homeowner found two more teeth just a few inches underground.

The homeowner then alerted the experts.

Excavation efforts by NYS Museum and SUNY Orange staff yielded a full, well-preserved jaw belonging to an adult mastodon, as well as a piece of a toe bone and a rib fragment. The researchers expect that this "significant" find will enhance the understanding of the region's Ice Age inhabitants and highlight the abundance of prehistoric wonders yet to be discovered.

"The New York State Museum is proud to be home to some of the most talented scientists and researchers in the state and across the nation," the museum's Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, Michael Mastroianni said. "As stewards of New York’s history, we are dedicated to advancing research that deepens our understanding of the state's natural legacy and ensuring our discoveries continue to inspire future generations. This discovery highlights the Museum's unwavering mission to empower vital scientific research that reveals the profound changes shaping our environment and inspiring actionable steps toward a more sustainable future."

Over 150 mastodon fossils have been found statewide to date, with about one-third of those in Orange County. The area remains somewhat of a hotspot for these ancient relatives of modern elephants in New York, the researchers said.

"This discovery is a testament to the rich paleontological history of New York and the ongoing efforts to understand its past," Dr. Robert Feranec, director of Research & Collections and curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum, explained. "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 are resources that provide remarkable snapshots of the past, allowing us to not only reconstruct ancient ecosystems but also provide us with better context and understanding of the current world around us. Each discovery like this one brings us one step closer to piecing together the full story of New York."

The homeowner said that while it wasn't immediately obvious what the backyard discovery was, it was clear that it was something extraordinary.

"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 resident whose backyard was the resting place of this ancient scientific treasure. "I'm thrilled that our property has yielded such an important find for the scientific community."

The excavation and study of the mastodon jaw are part of ongoing efforts to document and preserve the rich paleontological heritage of New York. The public is encouraged to report any similar discoveries to the appropriate authorities, since every find has the potential to shed light on the distant past.

The experts said there may well be even more to this discovery than meets the eye.

"While the jaw is the star of the show, the additional toe and rib fragments offer valuable context and the potential for additional research," Dr. Cory Harris, Chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, said. "We are also hoping to further explore the immediate area to see if there are any additional bones that were preserved."