SCOTCHTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A complete mastodon jaw has been uncovered in Orange County. This is the first mastodon discovery in over 11 years, per the New York State Education Department.
New York State Museum and SUNY Orange researchers recovered the jaw and other bone fragments from the backyard of a home near Scotchtown. After preservation and analysis, the fossil will be featured in a public program next year.
The jaw belonged to an adult mastodon and was found poking out of the topsoil. The homeowner had found two teeth hidden by plants on their property and then proceeded to find two more just a few inches underground.
Researchers also found a piece of toe bone and a rib fragment upon excavation. New Yorkers are encouraged to report any similar discoveries to the appropriate authorities for the potential to shed light on the past.
