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Upon realizing the importance of their discovery, the homeowners promptly contacted local authorities, leading to an immediate investigation. Experts quickly identified the jaw fragments as belonging to a Mastodon, which are believed to have stood about 8 to 9 feet tall and weighed around 3 tons. The jawbone fragments—including a notably intact bottom section—are now preserved at the New York State Museum, ensuring their protection for future study.
Local news channel WABC’s Darla Miles reported that this site has a history of yielding significant Mastodon fossils, indicating a rich prehistoric presence in the area. Notably, another set of Mastodon bones was found nearby in 1972, near a wetland, pointing to the likelihood that this region was a habitat for these ancient creatures.