Law enforcement in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, called a local tow truck company to remove a large great white shark found on the shore. “Not a typical call for service for us or our local tow company, but we responded,” stated the Orleans Police Department in a Facebook post. “This giant washed up on the beach, and like a stranded 4×4, we called Dennis to tow it away.”
Graphic photos of the shark on a Nauset Recovery tow truck were shared by the police on 15 October, leading residents to comment that the scene resembled the movie “Jaws.” Capt. Chip Michalove, owner of Outcast Sport Fishing, informed Fox News Digital that the Cape Cod shark team, noted as the best in the Atlantic, will investigate the cause of death.
“It’s challenging to determine what happened to the shark,” he said. “It might have been a released shark that didn’t survive or one that got too close to shore while chasing a seal.” The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy reported on social media that a necropsy was performed on the shark on 16 October.
A neceopsy will be performed Wednesday on a deceased great white shark that was found washed up on Nauset Beach Tuesday Morning.
Great White Washes Up On Nauset Beach https://t.co/ZEB2spl9nP pic.twitter.com/w5cC9tREDw
— Cape Cod Chronicle (@CCCNewsroom) October 15, 2024
The organization identified the shark as Koala, a 12-foot mature male white shark first spotted in 2022. “There are no clear signs indicating how or why Koala died,” stated the organization. “Further tests are needed to determine the cause of death.”
Michalove supported the conservancy’s findings, suggesting the shark might have stranded itself while pursuing seals. He mentioned that the white shark population in the Atlantic is concentrated in Canada and New England during the summer. “The white shark population in the Atlantic is significant. Though they don’t school together, they are heavily concentrated in Canada and New England.”
Michalove added that sharks migrate south to warmer waters in the autumn. He remarked on the great white shark’s size, describing it as “massive.” The shark expert noted a cut along the shark’s jawline, suggesting it could be from a hook or the sand.
“There is some trauma at the corner of the jaw,” he said. “It could be from a hook or the sand. The pictures are unclear, but there’s definitely trauma there.” Michalove highlighted that shark conservation efforts over the past 30 years have been successful.
“The good news is that this species is very healthy. There are many more now than 30 years ago,” he said. “Losing one of this size is unfortunate, but there are many on this beach.” Fox News Digital has contacted the Orleans Police Department and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy for further comments.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Boston 25 News: Police called a tow truck to remove a “giant” shark found washed up on Cape Cod, highlighting unusual service and recent shark sightings in the area.(read more)
- Boston.com reports a great white shark washing up on a Cape Cod beach, with a tow truck called to haul it away, highlighting unusual service call and ongoing shark conservation efforts.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was a tow truck called to remove a great white shark in Cape Cod?
The shark washed up on the shore, and law enforcement called a tow truck to remove it.
What did the Orleans Police Department say about towing the shark?
They mentioned it was an unusual call for service and they responded like it was a stranded 4×4.
Who will investigate the cause of the shark’s death?
The Cape Cod shark team, noted as the best in the Atlantic, will investigate.
What did the necropsy on the shark reveal?
There are no clear signs indicating how or why the shark died; further tests are needed.
What did Capt. Chip Michalove say about the white shark population in the Atlantic?
He said the white shark population is significant and concentrated in Canada and New England during the summer.