A rare discovery in Orange County, New York, has unearthed a complete mastodon jaw and other skeletal remains, making it the first such find in the state in over a decade. This unexpected find sheds new light on the prehistoric past of the region and adds to New York’s rich Ice Age heritage.
Published in New York State Museum News | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What started as a curious observation in a backyard has turned into a significant scientific discovery that will enhance our knowledge of Ice Age ecosystems. This discovery adds to Orange County’s impressive prehistoric legacy, with the region contributing one-third of New York’s more than 150 mastodon fossil findings.
The discovery began when a homeowner found unusual items on their property and reached out to SUNY Orange for help. Dr. Anthony Soricelli, a geology professor at the college, examined the specimens and connected the family with Dr. Cory Harris, who identified them as mastodon teeth.
This initial discovery led to a collaborative effort between SUNY Orange and the New York State Museum, resulting in a coordinated excavation that uncovered a complete mastodon jaw, a toe bone, and a rib fragment. Dr. Harris described the process as a true partnership between the state and the College.
The find is significant for SUNY Orange, which has its own history of mastodon research. The college’s Middletown campus has housed “Sugar,” a mastodon skeleton discovered in 1972 near the Warwick-Chester border. This specimen, standing nearly nine feet tall at the pelvis and 20 feet in length, has been dated to around 7910 B.C., providing valuable insight into the region’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Researchers will conduct extensive analysis on the newly discovered remains, including carbon dating and dietary reconstruction, to learn more about this Ice Age giant. The findings will be preserved and studied for public programming in 2025.
Dr. Robert Feranec from the New York State Museum highlighted the scientific value of the discovery for understanding ancient environments and their relevance to current ecology.
The discovery also presents educational opportunities. Dr. Harris plans to organize a summer field experience for SUNY Orange students to participate in excavations at the site, providing a unique educational opportunity.
This discovery emphasizes the importance of community engagement in scientific research. When residents collaborate with local institutions, they can make valuable contributions to our understanding of prehistoric life.
As scientists continue to analyze the remains, this mastodon jaw serves as a reminder of the prehistoric giants that once roamed New York State, offering insights into the region’s environmental changes over thousands of years.
Glossary
- Mastodon
- An extinct mammal similar to an elephant that lived in North America during the Ice Age, known for its teeth adapted for browsing woody vegetation.
- Carbon Dating
- A scientific method for determining the age of organic materials based on the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes.
- Ice Age
- A period in Earth’s history characterized by global temperature reduction 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).
Enjoy this story? Subscribe to our newsletter at scienceblog.substack.com.
