In a remarkable discovery, a New York homeowner stumbled upon a complete mastodon jaw and other bone fragments in their backyard. Researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange carefully excavated the remains of this extinct elephant-like mammal from a property located in Scotchtown.

The New York State Museum plans to conduct carbon dating and thorough scientific analysis on the fossils to determine the mastodon's age, dietary habits, and the environment it inhabited. The findings will then be preserved and displayed in public programs starting in 2025, giving the public a fascinating look into New York's rich Ice Age history.

According to the museum, the homeowner's curiosity was piqued when they noticed two unusual teeth hidden beneath some plant fronds. Further investigation revealed two more teeth just below the surface, prompting them to contact experts.

New York State Museum and SUNY Orange staff excavate a mastodon jaw found on a property in Scotchtown, N.Y. (New York State Museum)

The homeowner, quoted by the museum, expressed excitement about the significant scientific discovery on their property. This find is the first of its kind in New York in over a decade, marking a significant contribution to paleontological research.

A mastodon tooth that was still embedded in the jaw found in New York's Orange County. (New York State Museum)

The excavation revealed a complete, well-preserved adult mastodon jaw, along with fragments of a toe bone and a rib. These additional pieces provide valuable insights into the mastodon’s life and the environment it inhabited.

While 150 mastodon fossils have been discovered across New York State, Orange County, where this latest discovery was made, accounts for a third of all finds.

A printed illustration of a mastodon from the book Animals of the Prehistoric World. (Florilegius/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Cory Harris, Chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department, highlighted the importance of the additional bone fragments, stating that they offer valuable context and potential for further research. The team hopes to explore the surrounding area for more preserved remains.