This basking shark (not dangerous–they mainly eat plankton) washed ashore yesterday just a few miles east of Jones Beach in Long Island. The Washington Post estimates that the critter is 2,000 pounds and 20 feet long while CNN reports it may be 5,000 pounds and over 26 feet. Regardless, what an amazing creature!
It appears to have died from some kind of illness and researchers are examining the carcass before it’s buried in sand dunes nearby on the beach. Usually basking sharks die in the ocean.
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water…
Remember the ‘Montauk Monster‘? Last August, a strange carcass was photographed on Montauk, Long Island which made waves circulating the internet. As I wrote then, despite rumors about genetic engineering, bioterrorism, and worse–the critter was probably a dog or raccoon.
Well it seems the public can’t get enough of the ‘mystery‘ and nearly a year later, ABC news is reporting another odd-looking animal on the beach in Long Island. So is Fox news. But as for labeling it a ‘monster‘, I’m skeptical. Foremost, both sites admit the story was initially reported on the blog Montauk-Monster.com. Occam’s razor anyone?
Still, I’m not interested in discussing why 21st century popular media seems obsessed with dead animals and associated conspiracy theories. It’s worth noting however, what’s making top news… and more importantly, what’s not.
