"Minimum of 10,000 Years Old" - Second Fossilized Great White Shark Tooth Found in RI
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
"Minimum of 10,000 Years Old" - Second Fossilized Great White Shark Tooth Found in RI
"It happened earlier this summer in what was thought to be a 'one in a million event.' However, it has happened again which is both exciting and thought-provoking," said ASI Director Jon Dodd. "At a minimum of 10,000 years old, and perhaps millions of years old, it makes one wonder what life looked like here on earth all those years ago."
According to ASI, earlier this summer, Oliver and Sebastian Martinez were spending the day at Narragansett Town Beach with their mom and dad, Lauren and Alex when they found a large shark tooth in the sand and contacted ASI to find out what it was, and what species it might be.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIt turned out it was a fossilized great white shark tooth that was in excellent condition, said ASI, and was estimated to be at least 10,000 years old, and perhaps millions of years old by Dr. Josh Moyer, a collaborator with the ASI. The length of the shark, based on the tooth, was estimated to be approximately 15 feet long.
Second Finding
Dodd said ASI was contacted again three weeks ago by a friend who reported that they had also found a large tooth, and that they wanted to get an opinion on as well.
The location was once again Narragansett Town Beach.
“To say I was surprised would be an understatement," said Dodd, after seeing the latest picture that was sent by South Kingstown resident Carline Shields.
“We’ve never been asked to assess a tooth that size from Rhode Island waters, never mind two in a matter of months,” he added. “From the same small beach in Rhode Island only adds to the intrigue.”
It was determined that the "new" tooth found was also a fossilized great white tooth.
The assessment once again by Dr. Moyer and the ASI confirmed the species, with an age range was from 10,000 years to millions of years old. In addition, the size of this shark was estimated to be an impressive 18-20 feet in length.
“What’s remarkable to us is that we’ve never gotten a call or heard about teeth of this size and species here in RIhode Island and now we’ve had two in a matter of months," said Dodd. "What truly fascinating finds these are. We’d love to hear from folks if they have had similar luck, or know of anyone who has."