Many people are surprised to learn that shark teeth can be found in freshwater rivers and streams. The fact is, however, that finding them here is oftentimes easier than finding them on the beach or in the ocean. With fewer people around to scoop them up, there are more teeth and other fossils scattered around the river bottom and banks. Of course, this is just one of the many reasons why some rivers make ideal hunting grounds for shark teeth. If you’re interested in learning more about finding shark teeth in freshwater rivers, keep reading and we’ll go over everything you need to know.
Why Are Shark Teeth Found in Rivers?
First and foremost, let’s go over the question that’s burning a hole in your mind – “why are there shark teeth found in rivers?” After all, there are no known species of freshwater sharks, so how is that rivers turn up so many teeth? The answer to this question lies in how Earth was formed millions of years ago. For instance, the entire state of Florida was once completely underwater, as it consisted of part of the ocean. When a tooth from a prehistoric shark or other aquatic animal fell to the ocean floor over what’s now known as Florida, it became fossilized and encapsulated for millions of years to come. Over time, the water levels in Florida rose and it eventually became a large land mass, but the shark teeth and other fossils remain embedded in the ground throughout the entire state.
The fact is that shark teeth are found in practically every region or area that was once underwater, which is why Florida is such a hot spot for fossils and shark teeth. In order for them to be unearthed, though, some type of excavation needs to occur. Rivers are nature’s own natural excavators, as they constantly dig through the Earth, revealing new fossils and shark teeth. You can always dig into the ground using large machinery but searching in rivers is easier and more exciting.
What You Should Know About Hunting Shark Teeth in Rivers
Before you go jumping into just any river looking for shark teeth, there are a few things you should know. As stated above, you’re only going to have a chance at finding shark teeth in rivers that were once part of the ocean. If you don’t know whether or not a certain river was part of the ocean, you may have to do a little research beforehand. Check with the local library or government websites to find the history behind a specific location. Once you’ve determined that it was in fact part of the ocean, you can start preparing for your shark tooth-hunting adventure.
It’s important that you’re fully aware of the risks and potential dangers before you go hunting shark teeth in freshwater rivers. If it’s a large, fast-moving river, you can potentially get swept away. You’d be surprised how much force there is in a river that’s just a couple of feet deep. For this reason, it’s recommended that you stay in slow, shallow waters where there’s no chance of you getting washed away. Ideally, you should try to use a small boat to navigate into shallow canals. Once you’ve found a suitable area, you can hop in with a snorkel mask and start searching.
What To Watch Out For When Hunting Shark Teeth:
- Snakes
- Snapping turtles
- Change in current
- Fishing hooks
- Beavers
- Alligators
How To Find Shark Teeth in Rivers
If the dangers of shark tooth hunting listed above didn’t scare you off, you’re probably eager to learn how exactly to search for them in rivers. Truthfully, there’s no one specific way to find shark teeth in rivers. While one method may work best for you, another method will work best for someone else. It really all depends on where you’re hunting at, the type of sand or ground that’s beneath the river, and what type of gear you’re using.
If you’re experienced with scuba diving, you can actually scuba dive into some of the deeper river waters, as this will allow you to stay down longer without coming up for air. Just scan the river bottom looking for anything that resembles a triangular-shaped shark tooth or some other fossil. When you find something of interest, brush off the sediments to take a closer inspection of it. Just remember to bring a small bag to store any shark teeth you find in. Otherwise, you’ll be making a lot of trips back up to the surface to safely store your finds.
Alternatively, you can use a snorkel and mask to scan the rivers for shark teeth. Just place it over your head and go over portions of shallow river water where you can easily see the bottom. When you stumble across something that looks like a tooth or fossil, hold your breath and dive down to the bottom to check it out. A lot of people prefer to use snorkels over scuba tanks due to the increase in mobility you have with them.
The fact is that you can find shark teeth in rivers without even getting into the water. If there’s a sandy bank that’s easily accessible, try walking down it and looking for any teeth. Sometimes the river currents will wash up teeth on the banks where they are easy to spot.