(AP) A 9-year-old fossil hunter who has collected more than 400 shark teeth along the Maryland coastline has found an enormous tooth belonging to a megalodon — the largest shark to ever swim Earth’s oceans.
Molly Sampson fished out the 5-inch-long (13 centimeters) tooth on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), 2022, in shallow water on a beach at the Calvert Cliffs State Park in the Maryland region of Chesapeake Bay, Newsweek(opens in new tab) originally reported.
Bruce Sampson
Molly and her older sister Natalie are both avid fossil hunters(opens in new tab) and each received a new pair of chest-high waders for Christmas to help them search for paleontological treasures, the girls’ mother Alicia Sampson told Live Science in an email. After opening their presents on Christmas morning, the pair immediately set out with their father Bruce to test out their new gear. On the walk down to the beach, Molly exclaimed that she was “looking for a Meg,” and within half an hour of wading in the shallows she had found what she was looking for, Alicia said.
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Way to go, Molly!
Congratulations on your amazing discovery on Christmas Day 2022!!!! I used to be a shark tagger on the East Coast & I would’ve loved to find such a historic Megalodon tooth like you found. Looks like you’re a bright future biologist or paleontologist. Best Wishes & safe exploration!
Maybe she could help me find my dentures.