The ongoing excavation of a mastodon discovered in an Orange County backyard has uncovered a growing collection of skeletal remains, including approximately 11 ribs, at least three additional vertebrae and bones from the feet, according to researchers from SUNY Orange and the New York State Museum.

SUNY Orange students returned to the site this summer for a second Archaeological Field Experience, gaining hands-on experience as they helped investigate the remarkable discovery. The class included an interesting cross-section of students, including Humanities and Social Science majors Ashley Collins, who has a passion for archaeology, and Camilla Adamowicz, who embraced the opportunity despite not considering herself a natural archaeologist.

“This is really cool. It’s not usually my thing to be digging in the dirt,” Adamowicz said.

Favorable weather conditions allowed the class to spend additional time in the field, while lab days on campus gave students an opportunity to sort and catalog their findings.

The College also will begin involving student volunteers in cleaning and conserving some of the mastodon remains recovered during this summer’s excavation, providing another opportunity for students to gain fieldwork with a rare paleontological discovery.

“This has become an incredible learning opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Cory Harris, chair of SUNY Orange’s Behavioral Sciences Department and a professor of anthropology and sociology. “We are excited to have them play a role in preserving and studying these remarkable pieces as we continue to learn more about this mastodon and the site where it was found.”

The discovery began when an Orange County resident brought unusual objects found on the property to SUNY Orange. Harris identified two of the objects as mastodon teeth and connected the family with the New York State Museum, leading to the excavation and discovery of a complete mastodon jaw and additional skeletal remains.

The excavation and analysis are part of an ongoing collaboration between the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange to document and preserve the region’s paleontological history.