On April 8, 2002, the Michigan Legislature officially designated the mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the state fossil. This large, elephant-like creature is not only a key part of Michigan’s ancient past but also represents a unique chapter in North American history. The journey of the mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil is a story of community effort, scientific discovery, and the lasting legacy of these magnificent creatures. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the mastodon in Michigan. Look at the grassroots campaign that led to its official designation, and the lasting significance of this prehistoric animal in today’s world.
The Mastodon’s Place in Prehistory
The mastodon, an elephant-like creature that lived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch, is a fascinating figure in the prehistoric world. While it shared some similarities with today’s elephants, it was a distinct species with its own set of traits. Mastodons were large, heavy creatures, standing about 10 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing several tons. They had long, curved tusks, a thick coat of fur. They had a stocky build that was well-suited to the cold environments of the Ice Age.
Mastodons were herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including shrubs, trees, and small plants. Unlike the woolly mammoth, which is often more commonly associated with the Ice Age, mastodons were browsers, meaning they fed on woody plants and leaves, rather than grass. This dietary difference is one of the key distinctions between the two species, with the woolly mammoth being a grazer. Fossil evidence suggests that mastodons had a more diverse diet, eating not only shrubs and small trees but also grasses when available.
The mastodon’s presence in Michigan is significant because it demonstrates how the region was once home to a wide range of megafauna. Fossils of mastodons have been discovered in more than 250 locations throughout the state. Michigan is one of the most significant sites for mastodon research in North America. The fact that these fossils have been preserved for thousands of years speaks to the rich and complex ecosystem that existed here long before humans walked the earth.
The Campaign for Michigan’s State Fossil
In the late 1990s, David P. Thomas, Sr., a geology instructor at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, started to think about the lack of a state fossil for Michigan. As a passionate advocate for geology and paleontology, Thomas believed that the mastodon, which had played such a significant role in Michigan’s natural history, should be the state’s official fossil. He wasn’t alone in this thinking, and he soon began to gather support for the cause.
Thomas took several steps to bring the mastodon to the forefront of Michigan’s educational and cultural consciousness. He worked with a variety of people, including local teachers, students, and government officials, to build support for the initiative. In 2000, Thomas successfully obtained Bill 397, introduced by Senator Thaddeus McCotter. The bill formally recognized the mastodon as Michigan’s state fossil. The bill would need to pass through both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives before it could become law, but the groundwork had been laid.
Petition Drives
To gain support, Thomas organized petition drives, spoke at local Rock Club meetings, and attended Michigan State Hearings. He also reached out to teachers and students, encouraging them to get involved in the campaign. One of the key contributors to the success of this campaign was a group of eighth-grade students from Slauson Middle School in Ann Arbor. They were led by science teacher Jeffrey Bradley. These students took the cause to heart and became the driving force behind the movement to make the mastodon Michigan’s state fossil.
The students built a life-size replica of a mastodon out of paper. They used measurements derived from a mastodon footprint found in the state. They also raised funds for the mastodon exhibit at the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History. In the process they collected thousands of petition signatures in support of the cause. One of their most impactful efforts was staging a pro-mastodon rally on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol. The students’ enthusiasm and dedication to the cause caught the attention of lawmakers, educators, and the general public. Their efforts were integral to the success of the campaign.
The Legislation and the Aftermath
The bill to make the mastodon Michigan’s state fossil passed with broad support in the state Legislature. Governor John Engler signed the bill into law in 2002, officially designating the mastodon as the state fossil. This victory was not only a testament to the passion of Thomas and the students involved but also an important recognition of Michigan’s paleontological heritage. The mastodon had become more than just a symbol of the past. The Mastodon had become a focal point for education and scientific inquiry in the state.
The University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History became one of the premier locations to see mastodon fossils. The museum hosts a display featuring both male and female mastodon skeletons side by side, a rare and unique exhibit. Additionally, Michigan boasts the longest and most intact trail of mastodon footprints ever discovered, found near Ann Arbor. This site has become an important location for researchers and a must-see for anyone interested in the region’s prehistoric past.
The designation of the mastodon as Michigan’s state fossil was not the end of its journey into the public consciousness. In 2023, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, along with Indiana Senator Mike Braun, introduced the National Fossil Act. The Act would designate the mastodon as the national fossil of the United States. The bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate, further solidifying the mastodon’s place in American history.
The Significance of the Mastodon
The mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil holds significant cultural and educational value. The campaign to adopt the mastodon as the state fossil was not just about honoring an extinct species. It was also about teaching the public, particularly students, about the importance of paleontology. Understanding the role that fossils play in understanding Earth’s history. By making the mastodon the state fossil, Michigan lawmakers sent a message about the importance of preserving the natural world. About celebrating the creatures that once roamed the land.
In addition to its role as a symbol of Michigan’s prehistoric past, the mastodon serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists and researchers. The study of fossils and ancient life forms continues to be a rich field of research. The mastodon is a reminder of how much there is still to learn about the world that existed long before humans arrived. The fossils found in Michigan are not just scientific curiosities. These fossils are pieces of a puzzle that can help us understand the climate, ecosystems, and evolution of life on Earth.
The Difference Between a Mastodon and a Mammoth
Though often confused with the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), the mastodon was a distinct species with some key differences. Both creatures were elephant-like, but the mastodon had a more stocky build, straighter tusks, and a longer, squatter body. Its back didn’t slope like that of the woolly mammoth, and its head was shaped differently as well. Mastodons were also more closely related to today’s Asian elephants, while woolly mammoths are part of the genus Mammuthus. The two species coexisted for a time in North America. The mastodon ultimately went extinct around 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting.
A Community Effort
The story of the mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil is one of community effort, scientific discovery, and recognition of the state’s rich prehistoric history. Through the hard work and dedication of individuals like David P. Thomas, Sr. and the students at Slauson Middle School, the mastodon was given its rightful place in Michigan’s pantheon of natural wonders. As Michigan continues to uncover new fossils and learn about the creatures that once inhabited the state, the mastodon will remain a symbol of the past and an inspiration for future generations of scientists.
