3 shark myths busted by a local expert + how to learn more at this can’t-miss event 

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Raise the red flags because Shark Weekend is coming to McWane Science Center on August 24-25.

Before you run in fear, we spoke with Jun Ebersole, McWane’s Paleontologist and Director of Collections to bust some of your biggest deep-water fears and discover why your whole family will love this fin-tastic event.

Shark Weekend at McWane—event details

• When:
  • Saturday, August 24 | 10AM-5PM
  • Sunday, August 25 | Noon-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost:
  • Exhibit is included in general admission to McWane
    • Adults (13-64): $17
    • Kids (2-12): $14
    • Seniors (65+): $16
    • Kids under age 2: FREE
  • Great White Shark in IMAX – additional $5 per person
• Tickets

McWane has collections of fossils, teeth + more

(L) Shark tooth; (R) Jun Ebersole with shark fossil. (McWane Science Center)

McWane is home to all sorts of science-rich activities and exhibits. These include amazing collections of animal bones and fossils, bird feathers and more—many of which were discovered right here in Alabama. 

Fossils on display include everything from dinosaur skeletons and sting ray jaw bones to enormous shark teeth.

Fun fact: McWane’s fossil gallery includes several sharks discovered and named by Jun. One is the Bryant Shark—an ancient ancestor of the megalodon. It was named in 2018 for the Bryant family, which includes Paul “Bear” Bryant. 

Jun was also part of a team of scientists who discovered a 65-million-year-old fossil shark in Alabama earlier this year. 

Now onto squashing those fearsome shark myths.

MYTH 1: Sharks love eating humans.

FACT: While shark attacks can happen, Jun said that most people have a poor perception of the fish due to TV shows like When Sharks Attack and movies like Jaws. 

This has produced fear amongst the public, leading to the senseless killing of many sharks. 

“In reality, humans are not part of a shark’s diet and when shark attacks happen, it is typically because we are in their habitat and are mimicking their food. 

Shark attacks are generally exploratory bites as the shark is trying to determine if we are food.”

Jun Ebersole, Paleontologist + Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

MYTH 2: All sharks are apex predators.

FACT: Jun told us that not all sharks are apex predators. Some, like Whale Sharks, are filter feeders.

This means they do not use their teeth to eat. Instead, they acquire nutrients by feeding on organic matter, food particles or smaller organisms suspended in water.

MYTH 3. Sharks serve no purpose.

FACT: Jun informed us that sharks aren’t just important, but as part of the marine food chain, they play a vital role in marine ecosystems.

Here are three things they do:

1. Keep their prey populations in check, which ensures the food chain is balanced.
2. Keep their prey populations healthy by targeting weak or injured animals.
3. Indirectly protect sea grasses + coral reefs by controlling the populations of fishes and mammals that are destructive for these ecosystems. 

What to expect during Shark Weekend at McWane

Shark Weekend at McWane will boast a variety of unique activities. Jun will even be there to teach you all sorts of cool things about McWane’s collections and discoveries.

Here are some things you and your family can experience during your visit:

• Check out World of Water’s newest exhibit Beneath the Waves: Sharks, Skates and Rays in the Gulf. 
• Discover 3 species of sharks + rays in World of Water’s Shark and Ray Touch Tank.
• Take part in Shark Labs to learn more about underwater creatures through dissection, analysis + more.
• See + touch a replica of a 15-foot dinosaur-age shark called cretoxyrhina.

You can also visit McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater to see Great White Shark. Tickets are $5 per person.

Get your tickets now to Shark Weekend at McWane Science Center on August 24 + 25.

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