Another Incredible Find! More Mastodon Bones Unearthed South of Albany
Albany's Famous Ice Age Giant
If you've ever visited the New York State Museum in Albany, you've probably seen one of its most famous residents: the Cohoes Mastodon.
Discovered in 1866 near Cohoes Falls, the massive Ice Age creature lived about 13,000 years ago, stood more than eight feet tall, and weighed up to 10,000 pounds.
It's an incredible reminder that prehistoric giants once roamed the same Upstate New York landscape we call home...and it's pretty awesome that you get a chance to visit Albany and check it out.
Another Incredible Discovery in Upstate NY
And now, another remarkable mastodon discovery is unfolding about 90 miles south of Albany.
According to SUNY Orange, college students working with researchers from the New York State Museum have uncovered additional skeletal remains of a mastodon first found in an Orange County backyard.
What Did the Students Find?
The latest discoveries include about 11 ribs, at least three additional vertebrae, and foot bones.
It all started when a homeowner brought unusual objects found on their property to SUNY Orange. A professor identified two as mastodon teeth, eventually leading researchers to uncover a complete jawbone and other remains.
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This summer, students returned for another archaeological field experience, helping excavate, sort, and catalog the remarkable finds.
How Can I Enroll?
Seriously, if I could go back to college and NOT fail this time, I'd absolutely enroll somewhere that lets me dig up prehistoric animals for class credit.
Meanwhile, the Cohoes Mastodon remains on display at the New York State Museum in Albany, where generations of visitors have gotten an up-close look at one of our region's most fascinating Ice Age discoveries.
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