Scientist finds 10,000-year-old mastodon molar while surveying California creek for threatened frogs

While investigating a creek for frogs, a scientist stumbled upon a remarkable ancient mastodon tooth, estimated to be over ten thousand years old. Paleontologists have confirmed its belonging to a long-extinct species of Pacific mastodon. The fossil will soon be analyzed at Stanford University to determine its precise age, establishing a fascinating connection between today’s conservation initiatives and the ancient ecosystems of California.