Sink Or Swim: How Kids And Scientists Made Megalodon Maryland’s State Shark

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A prehistoric shark known for making waves, the Megalodon was named the state shark of Maryland two months ago. And for this honor, we can thank lawmakers, scientists and, of course, kids.

Megalodon is a massive prehistoric shark that went extinct approximately 2.6 million years ago. These sharks could grow up to 80 feet long and measure between 50 and 70 tons. Comparatively, the largest shark species alive today is the great white shark, which is approximately 20 feet long and weighs between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds.

So why did Maryland need a state shark, and an extinct one at that?

Southern Maryland is unique for its marine fossils. In particular, fossil enthusiasts flock to Calvert Cliffs to find shark teeth, and several lucky fossil hunters have found Megalodon teeth in Maryland’s waters in seven counties in the state.

With teeth as large as a human hand, it’s no wonder that this massive shark captures the public imagination.

“It’s multifaceted,” said Del. Todd Morgan, R, the sponsor of the bill that made Megalodon an official part of Maryland. “It gets kids excited to learn about science, and it gets attention. That means people are going to come down to Calvert and St. Mary’s counties to see the Megalodon jaw at the Calvert Marine Museum. They’re going to come here to try to look for shark teeth, so in that way it’s good for tourism and economic development, too.”

The Calvert Marine Museum brought the bill to Morgan during the 2026 legislative session. According to the museum’s communications and marketing coordinator, Bonnie Farmer, the idea stemmed from a work conversation between two members of the museum’s paleo team, Stephen Godfrey and John Nance. The pair saw that Maryland had a state flower and bird and wondered: Why not a state shark?

The museum is known for its advocacy for marine conservation and its educational programs about the bay and everyone that lives or lived in it. It also features a popular Megalodon jaw on display, as well as Sharkfest and various fossil-themed events throughout the year.

According to the museum, Megalodon’s teeth being present in the Chesapeake Bay offers important insight into the area’s marine ecosystems.

Morgan added that kids in particular love Megalodon, and it sparks interest in other marine life and nature, which gets their parents involved, too. It creates a win for everyone — the kids get to learn, everyone gets outside and off screens, and maybe the family gets a break from the business of daily life to stop and appreciate the wonder of holding something in your hands that’s been here for a million years.

“When we see the Megalodon, we think back to prehistoric times. We recognize the deep history of the bay and the intriguing things it holds from millions of years ago,” Morgan said.

But before Morgan’s bill passed the House and Senate, Megalodon needed a little help from the fans. For as much enthusiasm as it gathered, Morgan admitted there are some legislators in Annapolis who dislike what he called “commemorative bills,” meaning he had to hustle at the end of the legislative session to gather support for the bill in both the House of Delegates and the Senate.

A lot of the inspiration to push the bill through came from the hundreds of letters they received from kids all over the state. Kids sent in handwritten letters and colorful drawings in crayon, not just from Calvert, but from almost all the counties in Maryland.

The kids who wrote in had their letters entered into the official testimony on the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee hearing on the bill, a change from the typical legal testimony and form letters. Reasons kids cited were “they have big teeth” and “I think they’re cool.”

“It was a fun bill that people got a lot of joy out of,” Morgan said. “That doesn’t always happen up there, so I think people were glad to hear it.”

Farmer said they’ve already seen the effects of the state shark in education. She shared that one fourth grader who wrote a letter in support of the bill inspired her teacher to do a lesson on ocean life and ecosystems. When kids are interested, teachers can use that interest to segue into lessons. She believes there will be plenty more classroom discussions on marine biology and prehistory now that Megalodon is the state shark.

“It’s an important gateway for preserving the past,” Farmer said. “That’s what the museum is all about.”

Farmer also pointed to the museum’s statement following the Megalodon victory, highlighting Megalodon’s legacy and this beloved shark’s unique ability to connect the past, present and future, which she felt “summed it up perfectly.”

“Although Megalodon disappeared millions of years ago, its legacy underscores the long-standing ecological importance of sharks in ocean systems — past and present. The designation highlights Maryland’s rich paleontological and modern marine heritage and provides new opportunities for public education about marine life, conservation and Earth’s history.

The bill was finalized on the last day of the Maryland legislative session of 2026 and signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore. Currently, Maryland is the only state in the country with a state shark. Perhaps more states will follow, but as Morgan pointed out — no matter what happens, we got Megalodon.

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