Beachcombers usually find seashells and sea glass, but searching for fossils adds an exciting twist. Fossil collecting, a thrilling outdoor activity blending nature and history, is gaining popularity.

Start with shark teeth; they’re abundant on public beaches, making fossil hunting easy and affordable. Despite their fearsome history, Megalodon teeth, belonging to an extinct shark from 23 to 3.6 million years ago, are a rare and astonishing find. These palm-sized teeth, sometimes several inches long, create a sense of awe.

In Calvert Beach, Maryland, nine-year-old Molly Sampson made a remarkable discovery on Christmas Day—an enormous Megalodon tooth. Alicia Sampson, Molly’s mother, shared, “She was beyond happy.” Molly, a longtime shark tooth enthusiast, had received waterproof gear for Christmas and immediately set out on the hunt.

Museum curator Stephen Godfrey noted that while Megalodon teeth are common along Calvert Cliffs, finding one as large as Molly’s is quite rare. The estimated 15-million-year-old tooth adds to the region’s rich fossil history.

Molly’s find, submitted to a local museum, exemplifies the joy of fossil hunting, connecting enthusiasts through programs like “First Fossil Friday.” The thrill of discovering ancient treasures continues to captivate beachgoers.