Florida Family Discovers Megalodon Tooth Fossil in South Carolina

A Florida family's fossil-hunting trip leads to a massive discovery.

Bricen Columbia, 19, found a 6.5-inch megalodon tooth while fossil hunting in South Carolina with Palmetto Fossil Excursions. The tooth, which belongs to one of the biggest ocean predators, is the size of a soup bowl and belonged to a shark over 60 feet long. "I honestly couldn't believe it," said Columbia, as the rarity of such a find sinks in.

A Family of Fossil Hunters:

The Columbia family, from Largo, Florida, was en route to Tennessee for a baseball tournament when their son, Bricen, suggested a detour to South Carolina for some fossil hunting. He had been following Palmetto Fossil Excursions online and was intrigued by the unique teeth found on their property, known for their white veins. The family didn't disappoint, discovering 30 additional teeth, many with the sought-after veins, along with the mammoth megalodon tooth.

A 'Unicorn Find':

Shark fossils are uncommon due to their cartilaginous skeletons. So, when Palmetto Fossil Excursions' co-owner, Skye Basak, calls the tooth a "unicorn find," she isn't exaggerating. A "unicorn" refers to the maximum size attainable by a species, and this tooth fits the bill. Basak notes that finding a 6-inch meg tooth is already a rare occurrence, but a 6.5-inch specimen is "incredibly rare" and a true "fossil hunter's dream."

Shark Tooth Preservation:

A 2022 study supports Basak's excitement, stating that while shark teeth are common fossils, the preservation of their bodies is exceptionally rare due to their cartilage composition. Megalodons, ancient sharks that swam the oceans 60 million years ago, did not possess the skeleton structure of other prehistoric creatures, making their body preservation nearly impossible. All that remain are their enormous teeth.

Advice for Aspiring Fossil Hunters:

The Columbias recommend respect for the land and the use of tour guides for fossil hunting. They encourage making it a group activity with friends and family, creating shared memories. For parents, the excitement on a child's face when they find a fossil makes the effort worthwhile. And for aspiring hunters, don't be discouraged; read up, keep searching, and you might just find that once-in-a-lifetime discovery.

Original article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/27/florida-family-finds-megalodon-fossil-south-carolina-trip/115509000/