INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH, Fla. – Video shows a man beating a shark over the head with a hammer on a Florida beach, prompting an investigation by wildlife officials.
The Indian Harbour Police Department said the incident happened Tuesday afternoon at Bicentennial Beach Park, Local 10 News partner WKMG in Orlando reports.
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According to the department, two men were fishing when the shark was brought to shore. Video from Harbour House Oceanfront’s surf cam shows one of the men hitting it on the head multiple times with a hammer.
Video then shows one of the men trying to release the shark back into the ocean and dragging it into the water.
[Watch video below provided by Harbour House’s 24/7 live surf cam. Warning: This video is extremely graphic. Viewer discretion is advised]
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident and said investigators have identified the man in the video. His name has not been released.
FWC said it “takes potential resource violations seriously.”
This incident comes months after FWC investigated two men dragging a shark across the New Smyrna Beach shore and stabbing it in the head. However, officials said this was legal.
“It is common practice for anglers to euthanize sharks after landing for ethical and safety concerns. This video is not currently under investigation as no violation of state law regarding the method of harvest occurred,” FWC officials said in a statement in August.
Anyone with information is asked to contact FWC at 352-732-1225.