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Bitter Cold Cited in Shark Deaths Along Cape Cod Shore

Officials believe they succumbed to cold shock

A shark conservation group says two thresher sharks that washed up on the Cape Cod shore likely fell victim to the bitter cold.

A statement from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy says the sharks were discovered Wednesday in Orleans and Wellfleet. Officials believe they succumbed to cold shock.

Frigid temperatures have affected most of New England this week, and the Cape is no exception.

The conservancy's program director, Michelle Wcisel, told the Boston Globe that both sharks were about 14 feet long.

Sharktober? Great Whites Still Swimming Around Off Cape Cod

She said sea turtles suffering from cold shock occasionally wash up on the Cape, but it's less common with sharks.

State and federal officials also responded to help collect organ and tissues samples. They will be examined as soon as they thaw out.

Anyone who sees any similar strandings can report them to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy on Facebook.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy captured a white shark eating a seal off the coast of Chatham, Massachusetts.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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