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Hey everybody! I'm Korey and I'm a bit new here (and to the world of paleontology in general) so I apologize if things might be a little messy. Regardless, I'll try my best in keeping things as crisp as possible. I was hoping I could have some help identifying a few fossils on the exterior of these rocks I found. The following three fossil matrices were collected in a single trip along Cape Fear River in the Wilmington area. Each one contains numerous fossils of a variety of species embedded within a limestone matrix. Mineral composition was confirmed by a professor of paleontology (specialized in microfossils) at UNC Wilmington, meaning they likely originated from the Castle Hayne limestone deposit. I would really appreciate some help in identifying some of the fossils found in these matrices, as while a decent number are somewhat recognizable, there are some that are completely mysterious. Specifically in matrix B and C. Matrix A: Measuring roughly 61mm in length, and 40mm in width, this is a cluster of what appears to be remnants of steinkerns and their remaining impressions. I counted over 10 individual snail shells, the exact number being a bit unclear, and a single bivalve impression. The snails appear to be some form of teribridae, while the nature of the bivalve impression is unknown. The largest snail impression measured at roughly 14mm in width. Length was unfortunately not easily measured as there are seemingly no complete impressions left behind. Much of them simply stretch across the entire matrix. The bivalve impression takes up much of it's side of the matrix, measuring at a rough 38mm. Matrix B: Measures roughly 52mm in length, and 43mm in width. This matrix is host to an intact unidentified bivalve shell, what appears to be a pair of concretions, encrusting bryozoa, and an unidentified organism. The bivalve shell is roughly 25mm wide. A bryozoan colony is visible to the left of the shell's beak. You can also see the concretions top right of the shell. What species of bivalve is it? Each concretion is roughly 5mm in width. The edges of the concretions appear to be encrusted by bryozoa. (It is very hard to get good pictures of this feature, I'm sorry). The final feature of Matrix B is this unusual shape closely resembling a reverse impression of a coral cup. Measures 17mm at it's widest and 10mm at the thinnest. Seems to consist of a central undefined and weathered shape surrounded by a series of 10 striated symmetrical structures resembling the septa of a coral polyp cup. There is no other apparent evidence of similar structures within the matrix, and it seems to be entirely on it's own. Matrix C: Measuring 174mm long, and 97mm wide, this chunk of limestone has some heft to it. Contained within is the fossil of highest interest to me, what I originally thought to be petrified wood. Also present is what appears to be a eutrephoceras shell, and a single unusual ring-shaped organic artifact. This particular matrix was discovered under the water, where only a small part of it was sticking out of the submerged mud. Jutting out of the matrix is a partly exposed branch-like structure of unknown biology. This picture depicts the anterior end of it where it appears to have been broken off, revealing the interior cross section of the branch. This structure is roughly 25mm at it's widest I had originally thought it to be petrified wood, but the paleontologist I consulted disagreed, stating that petrified wood typically looks different. It is most certainly not coral either, so perhaps it is a species of branching bryozoan? Here is a side view of the branch structure, showing the deep striated appearance of it's exterior. At this point it looks almost more geological than biological, but the interior shapes tell a different story. I honestly suspect that it may have been eroded. A scant 19mm of this structure is exposed from the surrounding substrate, which I suspect might be hiding a much longer specimen. Here is another branch that appears similar to the prior one, only much smaller. Measuring a mere 5mm in width at it's widest point. Unlike the larger branch, the entire 25mm of this structure has been left exposed, revealing a very similar striated exterior. Could both of these have belonged to the same organism? This little limpet-like organism was hiding in a tiny recess, merely 4mm at it's widest. Not sure what it is, really. I appear to have forgotten to measure this one while I had my fossils out so I apologize, but this appears to be some form of coral-like structure. If you look closely you can just barely make out what appears to be a defined exterior ring nigh indistinguishable from the surrounding limestone. And finally we have what appears to be Eutrephoceras or at least some other similar mollusc. It's fairly small and measures around 18mm wide from the lip to the anterior of the whorl. Only three chambers can be seen, though there might be one or two more. I'm excited to see what everyone thinks of these fossils, and what they think they might be. It's a mystery that's been nagging at my mind for weeks now, and I have unfortunately yet to find answers. Please let me know if any more angles or pictures are needed, and I will try my best to provide.

Hi, Just found this tooth in the Cape Fear River of Wilmingnton, NC. I think it’s either a prehistoric alligator or crocodile. Trying to identify its species, help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi guys, these Ammonites are from the cenomian phosphatic chalk layer found in the Wilmington white heart lane pit in the 1970s and I was wondering if it was possible to identify them? Thanks 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. thanks again

Hi guys, I thought I’d give you a bit of background first, Wilmington quarry (bovey lane pit) was a quarry located in Devon that closed many decades ago. It was well known for its vertebrate remains but due to strict access, there isn’t too much material floating around, even in older collections. anyway these fossils come from the Wilmington sands member of the grey chalk subgroup, upper chalk anyway I can’t really find any literature on it so I’ve based my id’s on the gault clay which is only slightly older, feel free to correct me 1. squalicorax primaevus? You you can see faint serrations on it so I’m not sure 2. The serrations are a lot more pronounced on this so I’m really not sure 3.cretoxyrhina aft. vracanoensis? 4. not sure at all 5. I have a lot of these, maybe anoemodus? 6. may be too fragmentary but worth a shot, I have a lot more broken teeth but felt these were most diagnostic 7. ptychodus decurrens? thanks for your help

Tooth identification needed for two separate finds. Found in Southport, NC (Brunswick County) near the Cape Fear inlet. Common place for bones too wash ashore. Teeth are a new find. Pictures below. Thanks!

hi guys i recently purchased a nice set of ptychodus teeth from the cenomian chalk of Wilmington,Devon, was told that they were likely associated, any help would be good, im thinking either ptychodus marginalis or mammilaris

Hello, all! I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this bone I found. It seems to be fossilized (feels like stone and is very heavy for its size). I found it on the shore near Wilmington NC. Any guesses?

Usually I have at least a guess at whatever I find is, but this has me stumped

Had a quick walk down the beach the other day and it was actually pretty successful! Not many finds but they were all pretty sizeable! The largest one was half buried underneath the Johnny Mercer pier. It looked whole, and man I wish it was! Any ID ideas for the cusped tooth corner?

Hi guys and gals, Looking through some of my teeth from the past couple of trips and was looking to get an ID on this tooth. Is it a little meg? Thanks!

Hi everyone, I just got back from my morning trip to the beach and am thrilled to have found another nice tooth. Last night I went out and the tide was much too high, I ended up leaving after a few hours with only a few small teeth. As I searched the beach for the first hour this morning, I started to worry that my luck might finally be running out. Thanks to Memorial Day weekend the beach was absolutely packed, which was an unpleasant change of pace from usually having the beach mostly to myself. As I started to lose interest and consider heading back to the car, I decided to check up higher in the dryer shell deposits as opposed to where the waves were reaching. As I walked a few feet up the beach, I almost immediately stumbled across this tooth, lying completely exposed with footsteps surrounding it a few feet in each direction. The tooth was almost fully dried out at this point and must have been sitting there for close to an hour as the tide had receded 10-20 feet down the beach. Tourists looking for shells littered the beach in every direction, I was in shock that nobody had seen this tooth all morning! I have attached a photo of the tooth as it laid in the sand upon finding it. Unfortunately the tip is a little damaged, however the root is probably in better condition than every large tooth I've found here. Additionally, the coloration of the tooth is very different compared to the jet black teeth I am used to finding. Although I didn't end up finding much else in the next hour or so (a few small teeth), I'm really happy I decided to head out this morning. It's funny how when the hunting has been really good, just one bad day can really kill your confidence. At the same time though, just one good tooth brings it all back! I'll be back out there soon... Cheers!

Hi everyone, I just returned from a morning beach hunting trip and found what I'm thinking is a small meg. I'm not entirely sure though, because nearly every other larger tooth I've found here has been identified as angustidens. It was found on Wrightsville Beach/ Wilmington, North Carolina. I'm thinking meg because of the lack of cusps. Anyone?

Hi everyone, I found this tooth yesterday at the beach in Wilmington, NC. I initially thought it was broken, but then saw that it was actually very warped with all of the serration remaining. After some googling I've found that they are known as pathologic teeth. If anyone has any information about pathologic teeth I would be super interested to learn more! Also would be interested to hear opinions on ID. Angy?

So, I've recently been collecting sharks teeth at my local beach in North Carolina. Compared to teeth at most beaches I've hunted growing up, these are quite beat up. Out of the roughly 200 teeth from the past few weeks, I'd estimate that probably 75-90% of them are broken. Nearly every Great White tooth has been vertically fractured, usually cutting corners off of my precious babies. Is this just due to searching in the surf where the teeth are constantly being thrown around? I have been searching for teeth on similar beaches my whole life and have never seen such a high ratio of broken:whole teeth. Would be curious to hear everyone's input on why this might be.

Stumbled on this site and remembered I had an account that I haven't used for a while. Five years later, I thought I'd post an update. Shark Tooth Island is located in Wilmington, NC, just off the shore from River Road Park. If you're standing at the boat ramp facing the river, the island directly in front of you is Keg Island. At low tide, the upriver side of the island can have some specimens to collect, but I never had as good of luck on Keg Island as I did on Shark Tooth Island. The smaller island directly upriver from Keg Island is Shark Tooth Island. When I first joined this site it was suggested that sifting would be the best bet for finding teeth on the island, as it's pretty picked over. The first few times I went out I sifted, but I learned quickly that I would actually have much better luck both in size and number of teeth per hour if I just did surface collecting. Two main issues limit surface collecting. The first is rather obvious: the tide. At high tide there is pretty much no bank to collect on. From my experience, the Campbell Island Tide Chart is the most accurate to rely on for Shark Tooth Island. I found that getting on the island about 1.5 hours before low tide peaked was most effective. Plenty of surface to collect on, and it will be growing for an hour and a half. Also, if you're walking right on the edge of the water, don't forget to look in the water. I found several that were still underwater. The second main issue that limits surface collecting is the kayak tour groups. PaddleNC I think? They would take a dozen or so people to the island and if they got there before you, you're not going to have much luck that day. Unfortunately I don't remember what days/times they would normally do the tours there else I'd let you all know. One thing to keep on your mind when you're out there, if a cargo ship or other large vessel passes by, you're going to want to make sure your kayaks are pulled WAY up before the water returns. If you left your boats only a few feet out of the water and a big vessel goes by, there's a good chance that your kayaks will be floating down the river when you're ready to leave. Anyways, here are the vast majority of my finds from the four years I lived in Wilmington. The only fossil pictured that wasn't found on Shark Tooth Island or Keg Island is the largest tooth. That I found while trying to avoid stepping on anything sharp while walking barefoot on Masonboro Island.

Hi! Happy to become a member and hear about everyone's treasures. I am currently in transition in that I will eventually be moving to Wilmington, NC permanently in two years but currently just spend the summers here. My friends back in Williamsburg got me started shark tooth hunting in the James River. It was quite fun and many an afternoon was spent trolling the banks. Now that I am here in Wilmington I'll be heading to Topsail as I hear it has treasures to be found.