In a remarkable discovery, 9-year-old Molly Sampson from Prince Frederick, Maryland, found a rare megalodon tooth while fossil hunting with her family on Christmas morning.
Molly, an avid fossil enthusiast, had received new insulated chest waders as a Christmas gift and was eager to test them out. Venturing into the chilly waters of Calvert Cliffs State Park, she made an extraordinary find.
“I went closer, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, look at this!'” Molly exclaimed, recalling the moment she spotted the massive tooth.
The tooth, measuring over 5 inches in length, belonged to a megalodon, an extinct species of shark that lived approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago. These prehistoric predators could grow up to 60 feet long and were among the largest marine creatures to have ever existed.
Molly’s mother, Alicia Sampson, shared her daughter’s excitement: “She has always been fascinated with fossils and sharks. This was truly a dream come true for her.”
The family took the tooth to the Calvert Marine Museum, where paleontology curator Stephen Godfrey confirmed its authenticity. “It’s one of the largest megalodon teeth we’ve ever seen from this area,” he noted.
Molly’s discovery has not only thrilled her family but also sparked interest in the local community. The Calvert Marine Museum plans to feature the tooth in an upcoming exhibit, highlighting the rich fossil history of the region.
For Molly, the find has only deepened her passion for paleontology. “I want to keep looking for fossils and maybe become a paleontologist one day,” she said with a smile.
Photo credit: Instagram/fossilgirls_md