Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast

by Ashley Oliphant

This is a basic guide on how to find and identify fossil shark teeth from the coast of the Carolinas. It offers the basic information novices need to get started hunting fossil shark teeth and features an easy-to-use reference section that will allow for speedy identification of species commonly found on the coasts of North and South Carolina.

Genres: Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast by Ashley Oliphant (Pineapple Press, Inc. 2015) (567.3097) (3452).

Author Ashley Oliphant has penned a great book for my next beach trip. What could possibly be more fun than beachcombing for shark teeth? Fortunately for me, both North Carolina and South Carolina beaches are part of my stomping ground.

The book shares where the best stretches of beach for shark tooth hunting are located, and it also teaches the best techniques to discover teeth on different parts of the beach. (Bonus points if you know where to find a “wrack line”.)

I was very interested in the photos of the most commonly-found varieties of teeth and the descriptions of the species from which they came (e.g., hammerhead, bull shark, tiger shark, Great White, megaladon). According to the author, almost without exception every single shark tooth found on any beach is a fossil. Anyone who paid attention to the last two sentences will be glad to know that these teeth came from fossilized specimens.

I really enjoyed this little book. It makes me think about taking another look at the jars containing hundreds if not thousands of shark teeth that I have collected and squirreled away during summers past.

I have one observation which addresses the book's selection of photos. I realize that this book deals only with the teeth of fossilized sharks which are by definition dead. However, the only photographs of sharks in the entire book are pictures of DEAD SHARKS! Surely this book would have benefited from at least one picture of a live animal.

Jus' sayin'.

My rating: 7.25/10, finished 8/10/20. I purchased a like-new PB copy for $4.84 from Amazon on 7/29/20 (3452).

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[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for any shark tooth lover, from the beginner to the professional. The text is highly accessible and filled with anecdotes and bits of trivia. The book covers how to look for shark teeth, where along the Carolina coast to look and what you might find there, an identification guide, and plenty of other useful information. Highly recommended.

[sarah parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative for those who are interested in shark teeth, and share the hobby of searching for them.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative beginner guide to shark tooth hunting. Got some great tips, especially for beaches that are known to have more shark teeth.

Look forward to trying the tips out on a NC beach soon. Will pass this book on to my nephews that find teeth regularly at Topsail Beach. Will give them tips to identify the kind of shark they came from.

[Kyla Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and informative!

This book discusses various places to find teeth, what you need, and different methods. I also appreciate that the author reminded us that the earth comes first and not to be destructive or disruptive while we search for fossils.

[Donna]

I borrowed a library copy enjoyed it so much I bought the paperback for future reference. The author conveys lots of local, useful tips in an engaging way and includes identification markers without being overly technical.

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short fun read. Oliphants stories of her visits to the beach hunting for teeth are enjoyable and i wish she had written more on those. Chapter 4 shark tooth identification is the main reason to buy the book. Unfortunately it is not as helpful as it could be in identifying any the teeth you find. The book is a little all over the place mixing advice for complete beginners like being a hat and some sun screen, personal reflections, scientific information, and academic discussions (she is an professor). I was very concerned for her bladder health considering the amount of time she spends discussing the desirability of public restrooms and pointing out where they can be found at the various shark tooth hunting locations. I think she tried a little too hard to make this book all things to all people. It would have been better if she had picked one. If your visiting the coastal carolinas and have any interest in the teeth you find this book is short,information, and entertaining i.e., a good read for the beach.

[Caroline Oxendine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I need!

This book is very informative for us Beginner Hunters. It gives great insight into went certain locations would be better hunting grounds and suggestions for locations. This is an excellent read.

[Jan Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book to follow up after our beach trip to a NC beach. Hattie and Sam are great teeth finders. They are making Olivia and good hunter too. I, sadly, do not have the gift. But this is a great guide to catalog our teeth and share in the hunting experience.

[Amanda Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource. I borrowed it from the library but I’m thinking about purchasing it so I have it as a reference. And also, I’m totally inspired to dump all my shark teeth out and organize them by type.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With pictures and identification information - along with insight from the author's own shark tooth collecting, I think I'm ready to hit the beach!

[Will Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book putting together most of what you need to know for an enjoyable outing to find sharks teeth. Would definitely recommend for beginners

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mandatory read and reference if you are studying for your apprentice beach bum certification in the Carolinas, which I am

[Sloane Mayberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide from someone who really knows her stuff. I like the tooth identification section - it is very helpful and easy to follow.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a shark tooth the day after reading this!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with useful information (and humor) for beginning shark tooth hunters. Shark tooth ID is easy to use with photos and descriptions. Would recommend for anyone new to looking for sharks teeth in the Carolinas.