In a rare legislative move, Maryland is poised to become the first state in the U.S. to name an extinct species as its official state shark. Following a last-minute push in the Annapolis legislative session, a bill to designate the Megalodon (Otodus megalodon ) as the state shark passed the final hurdles and is now awaiting Governor Wes Moore’s signature.
If signed, the designation will officially take effect on October 1, adding the prehistoric behemoth to Maryland’s roster of symbols, which includes the Baltimore oriole (state bird) and jousting (state sport).
A Legislative Victory
The path to designation was not straightforward. While the House of Delegates had previously passed its version of the bill (HB97), the Senate’s version stalled in committee. In a decisive final-day maneuver, the proposal was attached to another bill (SB0035) that had already cleared the necessary hurdles, allowing it to move to the Governor’s desk.
The movement was fueled not just by politicians, but by a grassroots campaign. Delegate Todd Morgan, one of the bill’s sponsors, noted that the effort saw significant engagement from the public, particularly children who contributed through letters and drawings.
Why the Megalodon?
While the Megalodon has been extinct for approximately 3.6 million years, its biological legacy is deeply embedded in Maryland’s geography. The choice is rooted in both paleontology and local history:
- Geological Significance: During the Miocene Epoch (roughly 23 million years ago), the areas now making up Maryland were covered by shallow seas that served as prime habitats for these massive predators.
- Fossil Abundance: The beaches of southern Maryland are renowned for their prehistoric fossils. Megalodon teeth are frequently discovered across multiple counties, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, and St. Mary’s.
- An Ancient Hunting Ground: Paleontologists believe Maryland’s coastal waters once served as a “nursery” or feeding ground. Evidence suggests the area was a calving site for whales and dolphins—the primary prey of the Megalodon.
“To me, this is such an iconic animal. I think it’s time for megalodon to take center stage as the first shark designated as a state shark.”
— Dr. Stephen Godfrey, Curator of Paleontology at the Calvert Marine Museum
The Scale of a Legend
To understand why this designation carries such weight, one must consider the sheer scale of the animal. The Megalodon was a titan of the ocean, estimated to be:
– Three times larger than a modern Great White shark.
– Up to 82 feet in length.
– Weighing as much as 66,000 pounds.
While modern residents of Maryland are safe from these predators, the state remains a premier destination for fossil hunters. Locations like Calvert Cliffs State Park and the Calvert Marine Museum continue to serve as vital hubs for studying these ancient giants, proving that the Megalodon’s impact on Maryland’s natural history is far from extinct.
Conclusion: By naming the Megalodon its state shark, Maryland is leveraging its unique paleontological heritage to celebrate a prehistoric era that once defined its coastline.
