Mastodon 411

• They're distantly related to modern elephants.

• Likely traveled in family herds, led by the females.

•Habitats were forests and woodlands in North America.

•They were herbivores, feeding on tree bark, leaves and shrubs.

•Likely lived at least 3 million to 11,000 years ago.

•Species were as tall as 10 feet at the shoulders and weighed four to six tons.

•Limited public tours of the Pratt's Wayne Woods mastodon excavation will be offered next week from Tuesday to Aug. 10. Call the DuPage County Forest Preserve District at (630) 933-7208. To follow the dig on-line, contact the Field Museum at http://www.fieldmuseum.org/expeditions/interactive_main_content.html.

Sources: Illinois State Museum, Field Museum