A remarkable discovery in a backyard in Orange County, New York, yields a complete mastodon jaw and additional skeleton, making it the first such find in the state in more than 11 years. This unexpected excavation provides new insight into the region’s prehistoric past and adds to New York’s rich Ice Age heritage.
Published in New York State Museum News |Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What began as a curious observation in a home’s backyard has evolved into an important scientific discovery that deepens our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems. The discovery adds a new chapter to Orange County’s remarkable prehistoric heritage, as one-third of the more than 150 mastodon fossils discovered in New York state have been found in Orange County. It will be.
This story began when a local homeowner discovered some unusual items near the surface of his property and asked SUNY Orange for expertise. Dr. Anthony Solisselli, professor of geology at the university, first examined the specimens and then passed the family on to Dr. Corey Harris, chair of the university’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and professor of anthropology and sociology, who confirmed that they were mastodon teeth. It was determined that there is.
This first identification led to a collaboration between the State University of New York Orange Department and the New York State Museum, and carefully coordinated excavations revealed complete mastodon jaw and toe bones and rib fragments. I did. “This process worked as expected and became a true partnership between the state and the university,” Harris explains.
This discovery has special significance for SUNY Orange, which has a unique historical connection to mastodon research. Since the 1980s, the university’s Middletown campus has featured Sugar, a mastodon skeleton discovered in 1972 near the Warwick-Chester border. This impressive specimen, measuring approximately 9 feet high at the pelvis and 20 feet long, is estimated to date to around 7910 B.C. and is an invaluable resource for understanding the region’s prehistoric inhabitants. Provides background.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to perform extensive scientific analysis of the newly discovered remains, including carbon dating and reconstructing their diet, to piece together the life of this Ice Age giant. The discovery will be preserved and studied before being featured in a public program scheduled for 2025.
Dr. Robert Feranek, Director of Research and Collections and Curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum, emphasizes the scientific value of this discovery in understanding the connections between ancient environments and modern ecology.
This discovery also presents unique educational opportunities. Harris envisions organizing a summer field experience where NYU Orange students can participate in supervised excavations at the site. “It’s an incredible opportunity for the university to be able to provide students with a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity,” he says.
This discovery highlighted the enduring importance of community engagement in scientific research. When residents become aware of potentially important finds and connect with local institutions, their curiosity can lead to valuable contributions to the understanding of prehistoric life.
As scientists continue to analyze the remains, this mastodon jaw is evidence of a prehistoric giant that once roamed New York state, and they are learning more about the environmental changes that have shaped our region over thousands of years. provides new insights.
Glossary
- mastodon
- An extinct elephant-like mammal that lived in North America during the Ice Age and had unique teeth that made it suitable for exploring woody plants.
- carbon dating
- A scientific method used to determine the age of organic matter based on the decay of radiocarbon isotopes.
- ice age
- A period in Earth’s history characterized by a prolonged decline in global temperatures and the expansion of continental ice sheets.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
When was the last time a mastodon was found in New York state before this discovery?
This is the first such discovery in New York state in 11 years.
What was discovered along with the mastodon jaw?
Researchers also found toe bones and rib fragments at the scene.
How many mastodon fossils have been found in New York state, and what percentage of them are from Orange County?
More than 150 mastodon fossils have been discovered throughout New York state, with one-third of them from Orange County.
What does “Sugar” mean in SUNY Orange, and when has it been used?
“Sugar” is a mastodon skeleton discovered in 1972 that has been on display at the State University of New York at Orange’s Middletown campus since the 1980s and is estimated to date to approximately 7910 BC (± 225 years).
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