New ancient shark species discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park

A rare bite into the past. 

The fossilized tooth of a newly discovered ancient shark species – dating back about 340 million years – has been unearthed in the world’s largest cave system, officials said.

The roughly half-inch tooth from the uncovered species, named the Macadens olsoni, was found in the depths of Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, the National Park Service announced Thursday, just four days after “Shark Week” officially kicked off.

The Ste. Genevieve Formation is estimated to be about 335 to 340 million years old.

“This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history,” Superintendent Barclay Trimble said.

“This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks.”

Paleontology researchers, who discovered the marine fossil, said the ancient predator is notable for its distinctive tooth whorl — a curved row of teeth that crushed small sea creatures.

The shark likely measured just under a foot long and preyed on mollusks and worms when Mammoth Cave was a shallow sea rich with crinoids, corals and more, officials said.

“Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public,” Trimble added.

Researchers named the species after Mammoth Cave and Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist.

The latest discovery marks the fifth “new to science” shark species identified in the cave system.