Complete mastodon jaw found in New York homeowner's backyard: 'Remarkable discovery'

A homeowner in New York uncovered a complete mastodon jaw in their backyard in what officials are calling a "remarkable discovery." 

The jaw of the extinct mammal, which was similar to an elephant, and several bone fragments were excavated from a property in Scotchtown by researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange. 

"The fossils – discovered by a curious homeowner – will undergo carbon dating and extensive scientific analysis to determine the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat," the New York State Museum said in a statement. "Once preserved and studied, the jaw and relat...