What initially began as the unearthing of two mastodon teeth in an Orange County backyard has turned into a rare paleontological discovery, researchers from SUNY Orange and the New York State Museum say.

The researchers say they have found more of the Ice Age animal's skeleton.

Students returned to the dig site in Scotchtown over the summer and found 11 ribs, three vertebrae and bones from the mastodon's feet.

Student volunteers will begin cleaning and conserving some of the remains recovered.

The excavation process began in 2024 after the homeowner discovered the two teeth and brought them to the university. Dr. Cory Harris identified the teeth as mastodon teeth and connected the family with the New York State Museum.

That connection led to volunteers finding a complete jaw and additional skeletal remains.