A Remarkable Discovery
Leah and Josh McLamb, avid shark-tooth hunters from Greensboro, North Carolina, stumbled upon the fossil two weeks ago while visiting their favorite beach for fossil hunting.
“We headed down there with the hope of finding a big one,” Leah McLamb told Newsweek. Their dedication paid off when they unearthed an enormous black tooth, leaving them in awe.
How Big Was the Shark?
Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are among the most powerful marine predators, typically growing up to 20 feet in length. However, fossil evidence suggests that some individuals from the past may have grown even larger.
Shark expert Joshua Moyer, affiliated with Yale University and the Atlantic Shark Institute, confirmed that the McLambs’ discovery likely came from a shark measuring between 18 and 22 feet long, possibly even reaching 23 feet.
A Lifelong Passion for Shark Teeth
Leah, 25, and Josh, 32, have been fascinated by shark teeth since childhood. “As kids, we each searched for teeth on our own—now, we share the thrill of the hunt together,” Leah said. The couple even honeymooned in Venice, Florida—widely regarded as the shark-tooth capital of the U.S.
On the night of their discovery, the couple braved freezing temperatures, bundling up in winter gear before heading out at 11 p.m. “About an hour into our search, Leah recalled, we both spotted the tooth simultaneously. “My husband was quicker and grabbed it first. We couldn’t believe our eyes. We were ecstatic!”
How Rare Is This Find?
The jet-black tooth measures approximately 2.45 inches long, an impressive size for a great white shark tooth. Most great white teeth range between 1.5 and 2 inches, while the largest rarely exceed 3 inches.
Upon sharing their discovery on Facebook groups and Reddit, many users speculated that the tooth belonged to the extinct megalodon, given its size. However, the McLambs were confident they had found a great white tooth, having collected many smaller specimens over the years.
Great White vs. Megalodon Teeth
Megalodon, an ancient shark species that went extinct around 3.6 million years ago, dwarfed the great white. According to the Natural History Museum in London, megalodon could reach between 50 and 60 feet in length. Their teeth commonly measured 3 to 5 inches, with some reaching a staggering 7 inches.
Jonathan Geisler, an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, confirmed the McLambs’ tooth belonged to a great white, noting that its size is consistent with fossil specimens of Carcharodon carcharias found in the Carolinas.
Why Are Large Great Whites So Rare Today?
Moyer attributes the rarity of massive great white sharks today to decades of overfishing. “Large sharks, especially white sharks, have been heavily targeted by anglers,” he explained. “Numerous key figures have been specifically recognized.
A Fossilized Relic
The black color of the tooth results from fossilization, which occurs when minerals replace organic material over thousands—or even millions—of years. Geisler noted that the exact age of the McLambs’ tooth is unclear, but similar fossils from North Carolina date back 2 to 3 million years.
North Carolina’s coast is known for its fossilized shark teeth, making it a popular destination for enthusiasts. The McLambs plan to preserve their extraordinary find by turning it into a unique necklace. “It will definitely be a statement piece,” Leah said.
The Future of White Sharks
Experts remain hopeful that conservation efforts will lead to the resurgence of larger great white sharks. “With time and continued protection, we may see more giant white sharks in the wild again,” Moyer said. “For now, discoveries like this remind us of their fascinating history and the importance of preserving these incredible creatures.”
Key Takeaways
- A North Carolina couple found a massive, fossilized great white shark tooth, likely from a 23-foot-long shark.
- The tooth measures 2.45 inches, an exceptionally large size for a great white.
- Some speculated it was a megalodon tooth, but experts confirmed it belonged to Carcharodon carcharias.
- Large great whites are rare today due to overfishing, but conservation efforts are helping their population recover.
- The tooth is millions of years old, highlighting North Carolina’s rich history of fossil discoveries.
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