The homeowner initially found two teeth hidden by a plant on the property, and after digging just a few inches underneath that, two more teeth were found.

Summary

A homeowner in Scotchtown, NY, discovered a complete mastodon jaw and additional bone fragments in their backyard, marking New York’s first find of this kind in over 11 years.

Unearthed by the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange researchers, the well-preserved jaw, likely from an adult, offers valuable insights into Ice Age ecosystems.

Carbon dating and further analysis are planned to study the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat.

The discovery highlights New York’s rich paleontological history and will feature in public exhibits starting in 2025.