Prehistoric mastodon jaw found in backyard of NY homeowner who saw teeth sticking out of the ground

It is a gigantic find.

An intact prehistoric mastodon jaw was discovered in the backyard of a Hudson Valley home after the homeowner initially saw a pair of teeth sticking out of a plant, according to state officials.

The jaw, which belonged to an adult man, and other incredible bone fragments were recently found in Orange County near Scotchtown – about 70 miles from New York City, the New York State Museum said Tuesday.

It is the first time in 11 years that a similar fossil has been found in the state.

The resident discovered part of the jaw protruding from the topsoil with two teeth hidden near the leaves of the plant.

“When I found the teeth and examined them in my hands, I knew they were something special and decided to call in the experts,” said the homeowner, who was not identified.

“I am thrilled that our property has yielded such an important discovery for the scientific community.”

Museum and SUNY Orange staff arrived at the home and pulled the well-preserved mastodon jaw and also a piece of a toe and rib fragment.

The fossils will be carbon dated and analyzed to find out the age, diet and habitat of the mastodon, officials said.

“This mastodon jaw provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this magnificent species, which will improve our understanding of the ice age ecosystems of this region,” said Robert Feranec, who curates ice age animals for the museum.

“This mastodon jaw provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology of this magnificent species, which will improve our understanding of the glacial ecosystems of this region.

“Fossils are resources that provide remarkable snapshots of the past, allowing us to not only reconstruct ancient ecosystems, but also give us better context and understanding of the current world around us.”