Sharks shed thousands of teeth throughout their life. The teeth that sink and are quickly covered with sediment can become fossilized. An ancient riverbed about a mile offshore continually washes away layer by layer of fossils. The gentle slope of the ocean floor facilitates fossils washing ashore in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
The best times to find sharks’ teeth are at low tide and after a storm. Using a metal sifter is the quickest way to collect them.
Venice
Venice is known as the shark tooth capital of the world. The Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park is an excellent place to start, but any of the beaches in Venice should have some washing onshore. Free parking, food concessions, picnic shelters, showers, and boardwalks are available.
101 The Esplanade, Venice • www.venicegov.com
Englewood Beach
If you don’t want to drive north to Venice, check out this beach in Charlotte County. Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park has a boardwalk, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground.
2100 N Beach Road, Englewood • 941-681-3742 • www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/parks/all-parks/
Caspersen Beach
This beach is known as a terrific place to find prehistoric shark teeth. The area also has restrooms, a nature trail, a fishing pier, a picnic area, a playground, and a canoe launch
4100 Harbor Drive, Venice • (941) 861-5000 • www.sarasotacountyparks.com/parks-and-facilities
Don Pedro Island State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park can only be reached by boat or ferry, so there is not as much competition when finding shark teeth. Most of the island is still closed from damage from Hurricane Ian.
8450 Placida Road, Cape Haze • 941-759-2007 • www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/don-pedro-island-state-park
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