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Students from SUNY Orange have discovered more mastodon fossils in Wallkill. During a six-week field course, the students found jaw fragments, ribs, and several vertebrae, including the atlas vertebra, believed to be from the same mastodon species discovered last year. The fossils are estimated to be between 10,000 and 13,000 years old.
The excavation, led by Cory Harris, an anthropologist, and Anthony Soricelli, a geology instructor, follows the discovery of mastodon teeth and a complete adult jaw in a homeowner's backyard last fall. The newly found fossils have been sent to the New York State Museum for further study.
According to Times Union, Orange County has the highest density of mastodon finds in the United States, with around 60 discoveries. The county's clay-rich bogs have helped preserve these ancient bones.
The students' findings will be preserved for future research, and the site has been restored to its original state. This discovery has provided students with a unique learning experience and sparked interest in archaeology and geology among participants.
Robert Feranec, the New York State Museum's director of research, noted that mastodons arrived in North America around 14,500 years ago. These Ice Age mammals were similar to modern elephants but had shorter legs and heavier muscles.