NBC News - New York man finds complete mastodon jaw in backyard
A homeowner in Scotchtown, Orange County, discovered two teeth sticking out of the ground while mowing his lawn. Realizing their significance, he called in a team of researchers, including Dr. Robert Ferranac, a paleontologist from the New York State Museum. The teeth were part of a mastodon jaw, estimated to be 13,000 years old. The excavation also uncovered a piece of toe and rib, highlighting the area's rich fossil history, as Orange County accounts for a third of all fossils found in New York State. The fossils are now in Albany, where Dr. Ferranac is meticulously cleaning and reconstructing them, a process likened to solving a 3D puzzle. The discovery has inspired local interest, including from young children like 4-year-old Alex, and there is hope for more finds in the backyard.
Key Points:
- A man found mastodon teeth in his backyard, leading to a significant archaeological dig.
- The mastodon jaw is believed to be 13,000 years old, with additional fossils like a toe and rib found.
- Orange County is a rich fossil area, accounting for a third of New York State's fossil finds.
- Dr. Robert Ferranac is leading the fossil restoration, a meticulous process taking months.
- The discovery has sparked local interest and hopes for more fossil finds in the area.