Cape Cod Shark Deaths Blamed on Bitter Cold Temps

The bitter northeastern cold is being blamed for shark deaths along Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a shark conservation group, said two dead thresher sharks were discovered Wednesday in Orleans and Wellfleet, New England Cable News reported.

Officials believe the two male sharks suffered from cold shock that left them stranded following frigid temperatures affecting most of New England.

The sharks were about 14 feet long with their tails at about six feet long, according to Michelle Wcisel, program director for the conservancy, The Boston Globe reported. Although Wcisel said cold-shocked sea turtles have been known to wash up on the Cape Cod beaches, it is not known how common it is for sharks to become stranded from cold shock.

Representatives from the conservancy along with state and federal conservation officials rushed to the area following reports of the strandings. Tissue samples and organs were collected by officials for examination after they thaw out.

Cape Cod and other areas of New England have been dealing with freezing temperatures during the week. Temperatures fell to 20 degrees in Boston with forecasts of lower temperatures as the region also faces snowstorms.

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