Chilling video captures the moment a dead shark washes up on this Spanish beach
The animal was found on the city beach this Saturday afternoon
On Saturday March 29, beachgoers in the provincial capital city of Almería were surprised when a shark over 2 metres long washed up on the shore.
The animal was dead when it washed ashore on the Playa de San Miguel beach, also known as El Zapillo, at around 2.30pm and immediately aroused the curiosity of those present, who reported the sighting to the emergency services.
Sources from the 112 Emergency services confirmed that the shark was dead and notified the Police, Guardia Civil and the Centre for the Recovery of Endangered Marine Species, who proceeded to initiate the corresponding protocol to remove the animal from the Almeria coastline.
This included taking a measurement of the shark, which was confirmed at 220cm. Specifically, it was identified as a grey cañabota or bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus), also known as a cow shark.
It is the largest type of hexanchoid shark, growing up to a maximum f 5.5 metres in length. This species lives in temperate or warm waters and can dive to a depth of up to 2,000 metres. At certain times of the year it can be seen in areas close to the coast, either for breeding or after prey.
Several species of sharks coexist in the Mediterranean, generally staying away from the coast and human activity. However, sometimes they have been known to approach the shore either because they become disoriented or in pursuit of food. They may appear in any coastal area, but they are not dangerous to people.
They are, however, curious and their way of finding out what is in front of them is by biting. They are beautiful animals but if you come into contact with a live ow shark it is best to move away, and they will do the same.
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