What is designated as Michigan's state fossil?

Michigan's state fossil is the mastodon, an important and significant choice given the state’s paleontological history. Mastodons were prehistoric mammals that roamed North America, including the area that is now Michigan, during the Ice Age. Fossils of mastodons have been discovered in various locations throughout the state, highlighting their historical presence and prompting special interest in these creatures as symbols of Michigan's natural heritage.

The designation of the mastodon as the state fossil emphasizes the state's rich geological and ecological past. Mastodons were similar to elephants, with long, curved tusks and a shaggy coat adapted to cold environments, which is particularly intriguing for a region that experienced glaciation.

Other choices may represent significant prehistoric animals, but they do not hold the same official status in Michigan's history or geology as the mastodon does. Recognizing the mastodon reflects both an appreciation for Michigan's unique prehistoric ecosystem and a celebration of the state's fossil record.