That’s right, a sea lion.
The 4m-long (13ft) male shark washed up on Coronation Beach, north of Perth.
According to the Western Australia Department of Fisheries, it had “no visible signs of injury or disease” but “a large Australian sea lion” in its throat.
“This could explain why the shark was exhibiting such unusual behaviour in shallow waters off Coronation Beach. It is possible that the shark was trying to dislodge the blockage,” Principal Research Scientist Dr Rory McAuley said.
“Such a large object may have damaged the shark’s internal organs or impeded water flow into his gills, contributing to his death. Alternatively, the shark may have accidentally become stranded in his attempts to get rid of the obstruction.”
