SOLOMONS, MD – The Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) is set to unveil an extraordinary new exhibit featuring a never-before-seen collection of teeth from the extinct megatooth shark, megalodon. The collection, which includes 53 teeth from a single individual, represents the first associated set of megalodon teeth ever discovered along the renowned Calvert Cliffs in Maryland.
The exhibit’s centerpiece, these massive teeth were collected over six years from one location, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of the ocean’s most formidable predators. At nearly 50 feet long at the time of its death, the shark’s teeth include a range of sizes, from large front teeth measuring 5 ½ inches to smaller back teeth barely over ½ inch long.
A Predator of Immense Size
The megalodon, or Otodus megalodon, is believed to have reached lengths of up to 65 feet, making it one of the largest predators to have ever lived. The species dominated the seas for nearly 20 million years before going extinct around 3.6 million years ago. Despite its global fame, much of what is known about megalodon comes from fossilized teeth and a few vertebrae. The discovery of an associated set of teeth like this one is exceedingly rare—fewer than a dozen partial dentitions of megalodon have been discovered worldwide.
This particular set of teeth includes those found by CMM Paleontology Collections Manager John Nance, alongside contributions from other professional and amateur paleontologists. Their efforts culminated in what is now one of the museum’s most exciting paleontological exhibits.
An Eventful Discovery
The discovery story adds to the intrigue. On what has come to be known as the “Best Day,” John Nance was walking along the Calvert Cliffs beach when he came across a stranded fawn. After contacting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Nance kept an eye on the young deer while continuing his search for fossils. It was during this slower-paced walk that he stumbled upon more megalodon teeth than on any other day.
After moving a piece of driftwood, Nance discovered yet another tooth and quickly contacted Dr. Victor Perez, then the Assistant Curator of Paleontology at CMM, and Dr. Stephen Godfrey, the museum’s Curator of Paleontology. By the end of that day, both Nance and Perez had uncovered multiple teeth, including the largest in the collection, which measures 5 ½ inches long.
This significant find led to further discoveries in the same area, and over time, additional isolated teeth were confirmed as part of the same associated dentition. Teeth from other collectors, including professionals like Dr. Robert Hazen and avocational paleontologists like Brian Bartron and Cindy Eckard, also contributed to the growing collection.
Public Appeal to “Bucket Guy”
Though many of the teeth have been accounted for, there is still a search for more. Rumors of a local individual who found a bucket of megalodon teeth from the same area have circulated for years. Known affectionately as “Bucket Guy,” the museum is hoping to connect with this person to include any of these teeth in the exhibit. Additionally, the museum is interested in hearing from anyone who believes they may have found a tooth from this set, emphasizing that they would not confiscate any privately owned fossils but would like to catalog all pieces of the puzzle.
The teeth themselves were not found in life-like articulation but were collected after naturally eroding from the cliffs. Their uniform preservation, size, and unique spur on the root of the teeth suggest they all came from one giant shark. Some of the teeth are what are known as “file teeth,” which had not fully formed at the time of the shark’s death. These provide further evidence that the collection comes from a single individual.
Collecting Fossils Responsibly
The Calvert Marine Museum also reminds visitors and amateur fossil collectors to follow proper procedures when exploring the fossil-rich Calvert Cliffs. Digging in the cliffs is prohibited on state and federal land, and anyone exploring private land must obtain permission from the owner. The museum encourages anyone who finds significant fossils, such as skulls or bones, to report their discoveries. The CMM is equipped to carefully excavate important specimens, ensuring credit is given to both the finder and the landowner.
This exciting new exhibit will offer visitors a rare chance to marvel at the size and scale of one of the ocean’s most famous predators while learning about the significant efforts that went into uncovering this incredible find.
