A great white shark in Cape Cod Bay reportedly bit a seal that washed up on a South Shore beach before the prey later died, according to animal rescuers.
While much of the focus is on white sharks hunting seals along the Outer Cape, the apex predators — as seen in this incident — also stalk seals in Cape Cod Bay.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response team this week responded to Plymouth’s White Horse Beach for a report of an injured gray seal with a gash on his right side.
“After evaluating the seal’s behavior, assessing the severity of the injury, and consulting with our veterinarians, we determined the best course of action was to euthanize the animal to limit his suffering,” Whale and Dolphin Conservation said in a statement.
The seal ended up dying while on the way to the vet.
Massachusetts shark expert John Chisholm, who verifies shark sightings for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app, confirmed that the gash was the result of a white shark bite.
“The increasing populations of seals and sharks are a sign of a healthy ocean ecosystem,” Whale and Dolphin Conservation said. “However, this does change the way we safely share the beach with these incredible animals. Make sure to follow shark advisories and keep an eye out for seals in the water.”
The nonprofit urged people who see a marine mammal that’s either dead or in distress between Weymouth and Plymouth to call its hotline at 617-688-6872.
Meanwhile on Friday, Duxbury lifeguards reported a potential shark sighting at the residential beach.
“The Duxbury Harbormaster will be checking the area,” Duxbury Beach Operations posted. “Swimming on the front beach is restricted for 1 hour or until we get the all clear from the Harbormaster.”
About two hours later, it was all clear at the beach after the Harbormaster spotted a minke whale.
