Latest news with #Megalodon
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Woman unearths massive tooth from terrifying prehistoric creature on US beach
A Florida woman's beach walk turned into a viral sensation after she unearthed a massive prehistoric tooth, likely from a giant shark that ruled Earth's oceans millions of years ago. The discovery has sparked a wave of excitement among fossil hunters and shark enthusiasts, as the perfectly preserved tooth likely belonged to one of the most fearsome sea creatures in Earth's history - the Megalodon. Nichole Mercuri, 26, was walking solo along the west coast of Florida when she spotted an enormous triangle-shaped object buried in the sand earlier this summer. She filmed the jaw-dropping moment when she pulled the tooth from the sand and posted it on her social media, where her video has racked up more than 929,000 likes, turning her fossil find into an online celebration. Mercuri said in a video shared on Instagram: 'There is no way, I just found, please be whole, oh my God!' A recent study published by the Florida Museum of Natural History confirmed that Megalodon teeth can range up to seven inches and were shaped like serrated knives. Experts say Megalodon teeth this size are extremely rare, especially when found intact. The extinct predator, which lived between 23 million and 3.6 million years ago, could grow as long as 60 feet and had a bite force strong enough to crush a car. Mercuri's discovery has reignited public fascination with prehistoric sea life, especially a creature that may have once hunted whales and rival sharks, and sparked debate over how many undiscovered fossils may still be buried in the sands of Florida. The ancient tooth can be identified by its jagged edges, sharp triangular shape, and the deep gray or black color that fossilized material takes on after millions of years underground. 'It had that classic triangular form and serrated edges,' Mercuri told 'I've seen other people in person pull out Meg teeth in Florida before, so I knew what I was looking at.' Unlike bones, teeth made of hard enamel survive the test of time, making them the most common fossils left behind by the Megalodon, a predator so massive it had a jaw wide enough to swallow a human whole. The Florida Museum says these fossils usually surface after storms, dredging, or erosion dislodged from ancient sea beds and buried beneath modern beaches. Mercuri did not reveal the exact beach where she found the tooth, only saying it was on Florida's west coast. However, Mercuri added there is no special trick to finding something so rare. 'You can find teeth and fossils at certain beaches in Florida, Peace River, and inland,' she explained. 'There's honestly no secret, just a lot of time spent searching, learning from past finds, and keeping an open mind,' she continued. 'Sometimes it's more about knowing where not to look. And occasionally, luck plays a part too,' the fossil hunter added. Mercuri has collected more than 100 shark teeth over the years, and recently began targeting spots with the right geological conditions where prehistoric sediment is more likely to surface. 'Since last year I started going to certain places, and that's when I started finding bigger teeth,' she said. Her room is now lined with shelves packed with shark teeth, shells, and fossils, a visual timeline of her passion, which began when she was a child walking the beach with her father. Mercuri's favorite piece is still the first whole Megalodon tooth she found in 2024. Her latest discovery was the second from this species. 'It's a baby Megalodon and definitely not as big as the other ones I have found, but it will always be my favorite,' she said. Though she's not a trained paleontologist, Mercuri said she has spent years studying fossils through online groups and community forums. Mercuri joined Facebook groups where collectors swap tips on where to search and how to tell real fossils from broken shells or rocks. 'If someone wants to get into this, I always tell them to join a Facebook group,' she said. 'There are places in Florida you can find fossils or cool shells, you just have to go for it.' She encouraged beginners not to wait for a guide, just to start looking. 'You've got to do it yourself. That way you can find what you're looking for,' Mercuri said Wednesday. Megalodon teeth have been found around the world, but Florida is one of the top places in the US to spot them, thanks to its shifting ocean floor and storm-prone coastline. With over 250 teeth in rows like giant steak knives, the Megalodon ripped through prey with ease, making it one of the deadliest predators to ever swim in the ocean. The Florida Museum noted that areas like Venice Beach and Peace River are well-known among collectors, though some of the best finds still come from random walks on quiet beaches. Mercuri said what keeps her going is the thrill of the unexpected, and the rush of touching something that hasn't seen daylight for millions of years. 'Finding these pieces of history just lying in the sand is wild,' she said. 'It's like holding time in your hand.' 'Every time I go out, I just hope I'll find something special. And this one? It blew my mind.'
Indianapolis Star
20-07-2025
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
Woman finds massive tooth from this prehistoric creature on a Florida beach
A woman discovered a rare shark tooth in Florida, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. Nicole Mercuri, 26, was walking along a Florida beach when she says she spotted a giant tooth that once belonged to a Megalodon, a massive prehistoric shark that roamed the ocean millions of years ago. She was absolutely "ecstatic" about the rare find. "There is no way I just found this," Mercuri said in a video she posted to Instagram. Mercuri, who lives on the west coast of Florida, immediately pulled out her phone and began recording herself when she spotted the tooth and dug it out of the sand. "I was like so shocked and I just freaked out over it," Mercuri told USA TODAY. "I was just like 'Oh my God, Oh my God!'" The tooth is 3 inches wide and nearly 5 inches long. While Mercuri did find the tooth in Florida, she did not specify which beach it was found on. Mercuri found her first Megalodon tooth in 2024, but couldn't record her reaction because she didn't have her phone with her. "It's in the glass case right now," she said. "I still have it with the other one that I found recently." Mercuri has been hunting shark teeth for six years. She started off looking for teeth, and then became interested in hunting shells as well. "I go to the beach a lot, do a lot of shark tooth hunting in the area, shell hunting," said Mercuri. "I have a lot of fun with that, so that's kind of like my main hobby that I do around in this area." Her room now looks like the beach because of how many shells she's found, she said. The oldest Megalodon fossils date back to 23 million years ago, according to the Museum of Natural History. The prehistoric shark ruled the seas before it went extinct around 3.6 million years ago. The sharks don't have skeletons similar to those of other prehistoric creatures, such as a T. rex. Since its "bones" were made of cartilage, its body couldn't preserve itself as well as its teeth. And, while rare, those teeth are massive. The extinct predator could have been 50 to 60 feet long, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. And, just like its body, its teeth were massive, too. The shark's teeth, which look like serrated knives shaped like triangles, can be up to 7 inches long, according to the museum. More discoveries: Archeologists find 1880 shipwreck while searching for a different one Mercuri advises anyone who wants to start hunting for shark teeth and fossils to begin by joining a Facebook group for fossil hunters. "Talk to people about maybe they can give you like advice for it," Mercuri said. "You know there are beaches, there are places in Florida you can find fossils or any cool shells. You just got to trust in yourself." Fossil hunters should also plan to travel on their own. They can't just wait for the opportunity to come. "You've got to do it yourself. That way you can find what you're looking for."
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Woman finds massive tooth from this prehistoric creature on a Florida beach
A woman discovered a rare shark tooth in Florida, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. Nicole Mercuri, 26, was walking along a Florida beach when she spotted a giant tooth that once belonged to a Megalodon, a massive prehistoric shark that roamed the ocean millions of years ago. She was absolutely "ecstatic" about the rare find. "There is no way I just found this," Mercuri said in a video she posted to Instagram. Mercuri, who lives on the west coast of Florida, immediately pulled out her phone and began recording herself when she spotted the tooth and dug it out of the sand. "I was like so shocked and I just freaked out over it," Mercuri told USA TODAY. "I was just like 'Oh my God, Oh my God!'" The tooth is 3 inches wide and nearly 5 inches long. While Mercuri did find the tooth in Florida, she did not specify which beach it was found on. Second Megalodon tooth discovery Mercuri found her first Megalodon tooth in 2024, but couldn't record her reaction because she didn't have her phone with her. "It's in the glass case right now," she said. "I still have it with the other one that I found recently." Mercuri has been hunting for shark teeth for six years. She started off looking for teeth, and then became interested in hunting for shells as well. "I go to the beach a lot, do a lot of shark tooth hunting in the area, shell hunting," said Mercuri. "I have a lot of fun with that, so that's kind of like my main hobby that I do around in this area." Her room now looks like the beach because of how many shells she's found, she said. What were Megalodons? How big were they? The oldest Megalodon fossils date back to 23 million years ago, according to the Museum of Natural History. The prehistoric shark ruled the seas before it went extinct around 3.6 million years ago. The sharks don't have skeletons similar to those of other prehistoric creatures, such as a T. rex. Since its "bones" were made of cartilage, its body couldn't preserve itself as well as its teeth. And, while rare, those teeth are massive. The extinct predator could have been 50 to 60 feet long, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. And, just like its body, its teeth were massive, too. The shark's teeth, which look like serrated knives shaped like triangles, can be up to 7 inches long, according to the museum. More discoveries: Archeologists find 1880 shipwreck while searching for a different one Advice for beginner fossil hunters Mercuri advises anyone who wants to start hunting for shark teeth and fossils to begin by joining a Facebook group for fossil hunters. "Talk to people about maybe they can give you like advice for it," Mercuri said. "You know there are beaches, there are places in Florida you can find fossils or any cool shells. You just got to trust in yourself." Fossil hunters should also plan to travel on their own. They can't just wait for the opportunity to come. "You've got to do it yourself. That way you can find what you're looking for." The shark tooth hunter also recommends that people not reveal the locations where they found their fossils. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rare Megalodon tooth is found by woman on Florida beach Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
19-07-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Woman finds massive tooth from this prehistoric creature on a Florida beach
A woman discovered a rare shark tooth in Florida, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. Nicole Mercuri, 26, was walking along a Florida beach when she spotted a giant tooth that once belonged to a Megalodon, a massive prehistoric shark that roamed the ocean millions of years ago. She was absolutely "ecstatic" about the rare find. "There is no way I just found this," Mercuri said in a video she posted to Instagram. Mercuri, who lives on the west coast of Florida, immediately pulled out her phone and began recording herself when she spotted the tooth and dug it out of the sand. "I was like so shocked and I just freaked out over it," Mercuri told USA TODAY. "I was just like 'Oh my God, Oh my God!'" The tooth is 3 inches wide and nearly 5 inches long. While Mercuri did find the tooth in Florida, she did not specify which beach it was found on. Second Megalodon tooth discovery Mercuri found her first Megalodon tooth in 2024, but couldn't record her reaction because she didn't have her phone with her. "It's in the glass case right now," she said. "I still have it with the other one that I found recently." Mercuri has been hunting for shark teeth for six years. She started off looking for teeth, and then became interested in hunting for shells as well. "I go to the beach a lot, do a lot of shark tooth hunting in the area, shell hunting," said Mercuri. "I have a lot of fun with that, so that's kind of like my main hobby that I do around in this area." Her room now looks like the beach because of how many shells she's found, she said. A post shared by 𝒩𝒾𝓀𝓀𝒾 🌺 (@nikkitheasian) What were Megalodons? How big were they? The oldest Megalodon fossils date back to 23 million years ago, according to the Museum of Natural History. The prehistoric shark ruled the seas before it went extinct around 3.6 million years ago. The sharks don't have skeletons similar to those of other prehistoric creatures, such as a T. rex. Since its "bones" were made of cartilage, its body couldn't preserve itself as well as its teeth. And, while rare, those teeth are massive. The extinct predator could have been 50 to 60 feet long, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. And, just like its body, its teeth were massive, too. The shark's teeth, which look like serrated knives shaped like triangles, can be up to 7 inches long, according to the museum. More discoveries: Archeologists find 1880 shipwreck while searching for a different one Advice for beginner fossil hunters Mercuri advises anyone who wants to start hunting for shark teeth and fossils to begin by joining a Facebook group for fossil hunters. "Talk to people about maybe they can give you like advice for it," Mercuri said. "You know there are beaches, there are places in Florida you can find fossils or any cool shells. You just got to trust in yourself." Fossil hunters should also plan to travel on their own. They can't just wait for the opportunity to come. "You've got to do it yourself. That way you can find what you're looking for." Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran's Sharkbite Burgers up for competitive Uber Eats Award
Cwmbran born business Sharkbite Burgers creates great burgers customers can really 'sink their teeth into.' Their playful oceanic menu includes favourites like the Megalodon, Great White, and Goblin Shark burgers. juicy Sharkbite burger from Sharkbite Cwmbran (Image: NQ) Now the business has been named as competitor in the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year 2025 awards. Owners Mark 'Sharkey' Williams 29, and Natasha Spencer-George 34, are the brains behind the business. Reacting to the news Mark said: 'We're over the moon it doesn't happen often, and it hasn't happened before in Cwmbran! The closet that this has happened in is Cardiff. 'It was brilliant, and we didn't expect it.' The business has humble roots and was created back in 2020 first operating out of Mark and Natasha's home. Owners Mark 'Sharkey' Williams and Natasha Spencer-George with little ones Ruben and Nori. (Image: NQ) Presently there are two restaurants one in Cwmbran and another in Newport. Mark explained: 'Me and Natasha started it at the very end of lockdown, and the council tried to shut us down because we had too many queues outside our house. 'I used to do competitive body building, and my cheat meal was having burgers, and we'd travel anywhere to find new good burgers.' Mark 'Sharkey' Williams back in his bodybuilding days (Image: NQ) Mark explained he likes to 'mix it up' to keep his loyal customers interested. 'We include new specials each month. So, this month is around the theme of a Chinese, so we've incorporated our spin around a munch box. 'We constantly change it up if you don't get in, you'll miss it and if you don't get this special it won't come back ever. People beg us to bring some specials back, but we won't keep it.' Juicy Sharkbite burgers from Sharkbite Cwmbran (Image: NQ) Alongside Sharkbite Burgers there are several other Welsh competitors all hailing from Cardiff and Swansea. The winner will receive £100,000 to invest in their business, while all finalists receive £5,000 and a support package. Mark had the following message for the Cwmbran and Gwent community. 'Thank you for the continued support we are obviously a small family run business, and it means the world to us. 'We'd like you to get behind us give us a vote and put Cwmbran and the surrounding regions on the map.'
