Left and above: Luke Hammond has found megalodon teeth
of various sizes and grades, but this 6-inch specimen is a
prized possession.
WHY WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH?
MEGALODON TEETH can be found in riverbeds
28 july 2021
WBM
of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and in
the ocean waters off Florida and Indonesia
to name a few, but not at the high concentra-tions
found off Wrightsville Beach, says Slog. So, why does
Wrightsville Beach have so many?
“The answer is actually very long, it involves a lot of science
and geology,” says Slog. “But basically, offshore of Wrightsville
Beach, the fossil layer has been exposed around ledges in
the 100-feet deep range. Then, with the help of ocean cur-rents,
sea conditions and hurricanes, the teeth have slowly
concentrated in certain spots. For divers it’s a memorable and
sometimes unbelievable experience. They’ll say, ‘You tell us
they are there and explain how to find them, but once I find it
for myself, I just can’t believe it.’”
Every tooth found to be of value by Slog and Garner is
sold through their other business, The Fossil Exchange. One
6.48-inch serrated megalodon tooth is listed for $3,600.
More can be found at Wrightsville Beach’s The Workshop
(featured in Wrightsville Beach Magazine’s June issue).
Owner Audrey Longtin dives with Slog and sells meg teeth at
her shop along with the slogan, “coffee with a bite.”
As for Luke Hammond, he’s not selling his meg tooth any
time soon.
“It’s just a very sentimental tooth. Maybe on my death bed
and give the money to my grandchildren, but no plans to do
that now,” laughs Hammond.
LUKE HAMMOND
ALLISON POTTER