The massive creature was estimated to weigh between 500 to 600 lbs, measuring 15 feet in length and 4 feet in width. Its blob-like appearance left onlookers puzzled and intrigued. Scarborough Animal Control Officer Chris Creps, who was among the first to examine the carcass, expressed the challenge of identifying the creature given its degraded state.
Marine Mammals of Maine expert, Chris Blair, described the discovery as a “bloƄ of something” that had washed up on the shore. The smell emanating from the carcass was unpleasant and reminiscent of a hot day at a fish market, making the examination a less than pleasant experience.
To handle the removal of the creature, the Public Works Department deployed heavy equipment. The shark species was subsequently taken to a nearby landfill for burial. Crews determined that the shark had likely been dead and floating in the water for quite some time.
Dr. James Sulikowski, a shark expert from the University of New England, commented on the creature’s discovery. He mentioned that due to its location in Maine, it could either be a species of whale or a basking shark. Dr. Sulikowski expressed regret that he could not personally investigate the creature, as it could have provided an interesting opportunity for research.
He explained that whales tend to float due to their buoyant blubber, while sharks, being more dense, typically sink to the ocean floor. Despite his interest in examining the creature, Dr. Sulikowski acknowledged the safety concerns and commended the decision of the Public Works crews to remove and bury the carcass to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
While the identity of the blob-like sea monster remains somewhat of a mystery, its appearance on the Maine beach adds another fascinating chapter to the realm of marine wonders.
