Maryland has named the megalodon its official state shark, making it the first US state with such a designation. The new law took effect on October 1, linking a famous prehistoric predator to fossils found across the Chesapeake Bay region, as Baltimore Chronicle notes.
The designation was enacted under Maryland Senate Bill 35, which became Chapter 505. The legislation identifies Otodus megalodon as Maryland’s state shark and took effect on October 1, 2026.
Why Maryland chose the megalodon
The choice has a direct connection to Maryland’s fossil record. Megalodon teeth have been discovered in several counties and along the Chesapeake Bay.
Calvert Cliffs is among the best-known locations for these fossils. Sediments there preserve marine life from the Miocene epoch, when much of the region was covered by water.
According to testimony submitted to the Maryland General Assembly, fossils have been documented in at least 7 Maryland counties. The Calvert Marine Museum also holds more than 1,700 fossilized megalodon teeth.
Key Maryland connections include:
- fossil teeth found near Chesapeake Bay;
- major discoveries along Calvert Cliffs;
- specimens found in Calvert, Anne Arundel and other counties;
- an extensive collection at the Calvert Marine Museum.
The fossils provide evidence of the marine ecosystem that existed in the region millions of years before the modern Chesapeake Bay formed.
How big was the megalodon
Megalodon was the largest shark known to have lived. Recent scientific research suggests some individuals may have reached more than 24 meters in length.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Otodus megalodon |
| Status | Extinct |
| Maximum estimated length | About 24 meters |
| Extinction | Around 3.6 million years ago |
| Maryland fossil sites | Chesapeake Bay region and Calvert Cliffs |
Scientists know the animal mainly from fossilized teeth because shark skeletons are made largely of cartilage. Cartilage rarely survives fossilization as well as teeth.
The Natural History Museum says megalodon lived from roughly 23 million years ago until about 3.6 million years ago. Its teeth can reach about 18 centimeters.
Maryland becomes the only state with an official state shark
The designation gives Maryland an unusual distinction among US states. Supporters argued that the megalodon reflects the state’s paleontological history and could strengthen interest in museums, fossil sites and science education.
The prehistoric shark now joins other Maryland symbols connected with natural history, including the state dinosaur Astrodon johnstoni.
Earlier we wrote that Maryland used car private sale rules change: notarized bill of sale no longer required