A 20-foot long shark washed up at Gilgo State Park this morning after surfers had noticed it was 'distressed' and circling near shore. The rather enormous creature died after being on land for some time, shocking beachgoers and marine officials, who believe the animal suffered from some sort of illness. Vital question: Is this the same basking shark that terrified/intrigued surfers at Ponquogue Beach just two weeks ago? Basking sharks are one of the largest species and there were a number of reports of the animal heading west from Hampton Bays. Developing... [NYP; previously]
UPDATE: Baskingness of shark confirmed, and here are some bizarre photos of children posing with the dead beast. RIP. [Newsday]
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