Maryland lawmakers approve first state shark in the nation — the megalodon

Maryland is poised to be the first state in the country to designate its own state shark — the megalodon.

In a last-minute move on the last day of the legislative session Monday, lawmakers gave approval to making the mighty, extinct shark a state symbol.

The megalodon is the largest shark to have ever lived, growing to 80 feet. Beachcombers regularly find its massive teeth along the Chesapeake Bay.

The legislation awaits Gov. Wes Moore’s signature.

Researchers at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island led the effort to get a state shark.