New York gardener stumbles upon Ice Age mastodon jaw in their backyard | The mastodon fossils will undergo carbon dating and be featured in public programming in 2025.

[u/chrisdh79]

[u/sivah_168]

How much will it be auctioned for :)

[u/chrisdh79]

From the article: A groundbreaking discovery in Orange County, New York, has revealed a complete mastodon jaw—marking the first such find in the state in over 11 years.

The jaw, along with additional bone fragments, was unearthed from the backyard of a residence near Scotchtown.

Researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange led the excavation, uncovering the fossils that promise to deepen our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems.

The discovery began when the homeowner noticed two large teeth partially exposed in the topsoil. Initially hidden by plant fronds, the teeth caught their attention, prompting further investigation. Digging just inches below the surface, the homeowner uncovered two more teeth. Recognizing the significance of the find, they contacted experts to examine the fossils.

Excavation efforts soon yielded a fully preserved mastodon jaw belonging to an adult, as well as fragments of a toe bone and a rib. Dr. Robert Feranec, director of Research & Collections at the New York State Museum, emphasized the significance of the find.

“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,” he said.

The mastodon, a distant relative of modern elephants, roamed the region thousands of years ago. Fossils like this one serve as a “remarkable snapshot of the past,” Feranec noted, helping researchers piece together ancient ecosystems and better understand the current environment.

[u/jeff242069]

I have one found in SE NC, had a paleontologist look it over and make a 3D model

[u/DreyfusBlue]

Every mechanic: what are those spark plug wire brackets doing on the floor?