Great White Shark Koala Washes Ashore in Cape Cod

A 12-foot great white shark named Koala, previously tagged in 2022, washed up dead on Nauset Beach in Cape Cod, prompting a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Despite no obvious signs of trauma observed during the initial examination, shark researchers noted that further tests are necessary to understand how Koala died. The Orleans Police Department, reflecting on the unusual nature of the call, utilized a tow truck to remove the shark from the beach. Local experts suggest that the rising gray seal population in the area has contributed to increased shark activity, although shark attacks on humans remain rare. The necropsy will provide valuable scientific data, including tissue samples for pathology and diet studies. Cape Cod has become a hotspot for shark sightings, particularly in October, as noted by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's records.