Dead dolphin with 2ft shark bite on back found in unsettling beach discovery

The carcass of a dolphin has been found dead with a massive 2ft shark bite on a beach in New South Wales, Australia.

Local snapper Michael Sutton, who enjoys his daily morning walks along Cronulla Beach, Sydney, was alerted to the dead animal by a local surfer just before 7am on Monday.

He told 9News: “I went for a walk and found what I thought was a whale but it was actually a dolphin with a massive shark bite out of its side.”

The carcass, which was about two metres long, had had a chunk taken out of it that was about 60cm wide. Michael – who posted his photos on Facebook – said it appeared to have been there for a couple of hours.

There were no reported shark sightings in the area but the carcass did deter swimmers and surfers from the water. “I saw that one surfer didn't go in because of it,” Michael said.

After being alerted to the discovery, the local council worked with wildlife services to remove the dead dolphin from the beach.

"Sutherland Shire Council's ocean safety and lifeguard unit was alerted to a large dolphin carcass which had been washed ashore north of Wanda Beach, Cronulla, early [on Monday]," a spokesperson for the council said.

"Sutherland Shire Council thanks those members of the public who alerted our staff to the issue, ensuring that council could swiftly engage relevant authorities and ensure the carcass could be promptly removed from the site.”

Keen photographer Michael, who walks along the beach most mornings, said the carcass was his most unusual find so far.

“I've missed a handful of sunrises over the past 15 years,” he told 9News.

“This is my most unusual find. I'm there every day taking photos.

“Normally I find only phones or GoPros from a big night out, so this was a bit unusual to see.”

Source: Read Full Article