Mastodon Jaw Found in New York Man’s Backyard.

New York, NY — A New York resident made an astonishing prehistoric discovery while digging in his backyard this past week—a massive mastodon jawbone believed to date back thousands of years.

Joseph Peterson, a 43-year-old from upstate New York, was undertaking routine landscaping work at his property in Hyde Park when he struck something unexpected. Initially believing it was a large tree root, Peterson quickly realized he had unearthed something much older and far more significant.

“I was digging a trench for some drainage when I hit this huge chunk of bone,” Peterson recalled. “At first, I thought it was just a rock or maybe some kind of animal remains, but it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”

Experts later confirmed that Peterson had found part of a mastodon jawbone, complete with several molar teeth intact. The mastodon, a prehistoric relative of the modern elephant, roamed North America between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago before becoming extinct.

A Fossil Rarity in New York

The discovery immediately caught the attention of local paleontologists. Dr. Sarah Miller, a fossil expert from the New York State Museum, described the find as “extremely rare” and “a window into the region’s ancient past.”

“Finding such a well-preserved jawbone in a residential backyard is remarkable,” Dr. Miller said. “Mastodon remains are relatively rare, and this specimen’s condition is exceptional. It can teach us a great deal about the environment and ecology of New York during the Ice Age.”

The mastodon, similar in appearance to woolly mammoths but shorter and stockier, roamed ancient forests, feeding on trees and shrubs. Fossils have been sporadically discovered across New York State over the past two centuries, often in areas that were once glacial lakes or riverbeds.

A Piece of History Underfoot

Peterson, who described himself as an “amateur history buff,” said he never imagined a piece of prehistory was lying just beneath his yard.

“It’s surreal to think that a creature like this was walking around here thousands of years ago,” he said. “It really puts things into perspective.”

Local authorities and paleontologists are now working to carefully excavate the remaining area to determine if additional fossils are buried nearby. For now, the jawbone is being temporarily housed at the New York State Museum for cleaning and further study.

As for Peterson, he said the experience has given him a new perspective on the land he calls home. “I’ve always loved my backyard, but now it’s a little more special,” he said with a laugh.

A Fossilized Legacy

The discovery highlights how remnants of the past continue to be hidden underfoot, waiting to be unearthed. Paleontologists hope that Peterson’s find will inspire more awareness of prehistoric history and the importance of fossil preservation.

“Every fossil tells a story,” Dr. Miller said. “And this mastodon’s story is one that we are excited to tell.”

The jawbone is expected to be displayed at the New York State Museum later this year, where visitors can view the ancient relic firsthand—a rare glimpse into a time when mastodons ruled the forests of North America.