A remarkable backyard discovery in Orange County, New York, has yielded a complete mastodon jaw and additional skeletal remains, marking the first such find in the state in over 11 years. This unexpected excavation provides new insights 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 residential backyard has evolved into a significant scientific discovery that will enhance our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems. The find represents another chapter in Orange County’s remarkable prehistoric legacy, as the region has produced one-third of New York’s more than 150 mastodon fossil discoveries.
The story began when a local homeowner uncovered several unusual items near the surface of their property and sought expertise from SUNY Orange. Dr. Anthony Soricelli, a geology professor at the college, first examined the specimens before connecting the family with Dr. Cory Harris, chair of the College’s Behavioral Sciences Department and professor of anthropology and sociology, who identified them as mastodon teeth.
This initial identification led to a collaborative effort between SUNY Orange and the New York State Museum, resulting in a carefully coordinated excavation that revealed a complete mastodon jaw, along with a toe bone and rib fragment. “This process played out exactly as it should have, and became a true partnership between the state and the College,” Harris explains.
The discovery holds special significance for SUNY Orange, which has its own historic connection to mastodon research. Since the 1980s, the college’s Middletown campus has housed “Sugar,” a mastodon skeleton discovered in 1972 near the Warwick-Chester border. This impressive specimen, standing nearly nine feet tall at the pelvis and stretching 20 feet in length, has been dated to approximately 7910 B.C., providing valuable context for understanding the region’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Looking ahead, researchers will conduct extensive scientific analysis on the newly discovered remains, including carbon dating and dietary reconstruction, to piece together the life story of this Ice Age giant. The findings will undergo preservation and study before being featured in public programming planned for 2025.
Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research & Collections and Curator of Ice Age Animals at the New York State Museum, emphasizes the scientific value of the discovery for understanding ancient environments and their relevance to contemporary ecology.
The find also presents unique educational opportunities. Harris envisions organizing a summer field experience where SUNY Orange students can participate in supervised excavations at the site. “What a great opportunity for the College to provide a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunities for our students,” he notes.
This discovery highlights the enduring importance of community engagement in scientific research. When residents recognize potentially significant finds and connect with local institutions, their curiosity can lead to valuable contributions to our understanding of prehistoric life.
As scientists continue their analysis of the remains, this mastodon jaw stands as a testament to the prehistoric giants that once roamed New York State, offering new insights into the environmental changes that have shaped our region over thousands of years.
Glossary
- Mastodon
- An extinct elephant-like mammal that inhabited North America during the Ice Age, distinguished by distinctive teeth adapted for browsing woody vegetation.
- Carbon Dating
- A scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials based on the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes.
- Ice Age
- A period in Earth’s history characterized by long-term reduction in global temperatures and the expansion of continental ice sheets.
Test Your Knowledge
When was the last mastodon discovery in New York State before this find?
This is the first such discovery in over 11 years in New York State.
What was found along with the mastodon jaw?
Researchers also discovered a toe bone and a rib fragment at the site.
How many mastodon fossils have been discovered in New York State, and what proportion comes from Orange County?
Over 150 mastodon fossils have been discovered across New York State, with one-third coming from Orange County.
What is the significance of “Sugar” at SUNY Orange, and how old is it?
“Sugar” is a mastodon skeleton discovered in 1972, displayed at SUNY Orange’s Middletown campus since the 1980s, and dated to approximately 7910 B.C. (plus or minus 225 years).
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