Wildlife officials are investigating the dumping of three bull sharks that were found sliced open at a popular Titusville park.
- 3 bull sharks found gutted at popular Titusville park
- Those responsible could face fines
- FWC is investigating, asking for tips in case
Randy White, a longtime fisherman in the Titusville area, said he wasn’t surprised to hear that three young bull sharks had been killed, had their internal organs removed, and then dumped at Kennedy Point Park sometime Thursday.
In fact, he’s seen it happen with other animals.
“There was a guy at the refugee area about five years back — they caught him with a bunch of alligators in his truck," White said. "They nailed him for that. He got what was coming to him.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating after receiving calls about the sharks. It said that none of those juvenile sharks are legal to take, and whoever is responsible could face fines and violations for catching and dumping them.
FWC said that although it would normally rely on surveillance video or even a witness to help them, without either of those options, the culprit in this case may be tough to find.
“I think it’s just horrible that someone would think to do this to animals,” said Elizabeth Clarke, who frequents the park.
White said he hopes FWC finds the person or people responsible.
“They’re around, but they just can’t catch everybody. It’s hard to catch someone like that... They probably had them in the back of the truck, came down here, dumped them and were gone,” White said.
FWC officials said that that it appears the sharks were there for less than 24 hours. Although they think someone dumped the sharks, they are still looking into whether the sharks could have simply washed ashore.
Meanwhile, FWC said this is a rare case and the investigation is ongoing. Officials urge people to contact them if you have a tip.