Oct 10, 2013 11:17 AM EDT
Mastodon Tooth, Tusk, Discovered in Donation Box in Michigan, Believed to be 12,000 Years Old (PHOTO)

The remains of a mastodon were discovered during a July charity pickup in Michigan, including tooth pieces.

The Michigan charity, called In The Image, which collects shoes, clothing, and other items for low-income residents discovered the remains over the summer believed to be anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 years old, according to The Grand Rapids Press.

"I'd love to find out where this was from and the history behind it," said Jay Starkey, the charity's director, in a statement.

The tooth is broken into two parts and is covered in lacquer, according to CBS News.

A tusk was also found, also covered in lacquer, and is hollow at one end. Experts from the Grand Rapids Public Museum believe the tusk could also be from a mastodon, but they have not been able to determine that as of press time.

Mastodons were common in North America over 10,000 years ago. Mastodon remains do occasionally turn up in Michigan, but usually not mixed with clothes and shoes for charity.

The Grand Rapid's Museum already has a number of different Mastodon bones and the new additions we be available for loan to educators looking to use the recent discoveries as learning tools in schools.

"This is kind of an oddball way for something to come in," said Tim Priest, collections manager, in a statement.

The mastodon was declared the official state fossil of Michigan back in 2002, according to CBS Detroit.

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