Shark Attack Bites Whale In South Carolina, Vets Forced To Euthanize Beached Sea Creature

A shark attack in South Carolina was the apparent cause of death for a pygmy sperm whale that beached itself on Hilton Head Island.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, a shark attack in California was allegedly related to the fishing of great white sharks in the area. Because of this incident, the fishing from piers in the area was banned for a short time although PETA is currently leading a campaign to have the ban become permanent. But the motives of the animal rights group might be questioned since a barracuda attack during an offshore fishing excursion caused damage just as bad as a shark bite yet PETA has not said anything about banning barracuda fishing.

Now, Shore Beach Services on Hilton Head Island say a lifeguard spotted a shark attack occurring against what looked like a dolphin at first glance. But when the injured animal came ashore it became obvious it was actually a Pygmy sperm whale, which is about the same size as a dolphin.

The shark attack occurred around 3 PM and Beach services operations manager Mike Wagner tried to get hold of Jessica Conway of the S.C. Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Apparently, the decision was made to send vets to the rescue of the stranded animal by around 5 PM, when the Pygmy sperm whale was last spotted as alive. Although additional information about the whale’s injuries were not made available, the vets apparently decided they were severe enough that the whale was later euthanized.

The Shore Beach Services cleared the area around the shark attack but the ocean predator was not spotted again.