Diver Discovers Massive Megalodon Tooth Off North Carolina Coast
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A North Carolina diver has surfaced with an extraordinary prehistoric treasure from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Christian Corbitt recently discovered a six-inch megalodon tooth about 35 miles off the coast of Wilmington, a find that fossil experts say is among the ocean’s rarest prizes, according to WBTV.
Corbitt, an experienced diver, spent two days and one night exploring the ocean floor before coming across the massive tooth. In addition to this remarkable discovery, he recovered 33 other complete fossil shark teeth, adding to an already impressive haul from the trip.
About the Megalodon
The megalodon was a prehistoric shark species that dominated the seas between 23 million and 3.6 million years ago. These giants averaged 50 to 60 feet in length, making them roughly three times longer than today’s great white sharks. Fossil evidence shows they thrived in warm, coastal waters but were capable of traversing oceans in search of food.
Finding a tooth in such pristine condition is rare, as ocean currents and sediment often damage or bury these fossils for millions of years. Collectors and paleontologists alike consider intact megalodon teeth to be highly valuable, both scientifically and as natural history artifacts.
North Carolina’s Fossil-Rich Waters
The waters off North Carolina’s coast are known for yielding prehistoric marine fossils thanks to their unique geology and shifting sandbars. Divers and scientists say the mix of strong currents, eroding sea beds, and ancient sediment deposits make this stretch of the Atlantic an ideal hunting ground for relics of the past.
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