The British public have been warned to stay away from the coast of Northern Ireland due to a potentially dangerous shark.
But before the alarm bells start ringing, it must be added that the six-metre animal has washed up on the beach, is not carnivorous and perhaps most strangely of all – is already dead.
In fact, this shark poses a danger to humans and animals because of the bacteria breaking down in its remains, Queens University Marine Laboratory have said.
The basking shark, a common inhabitant in UK waters, was found on the shore at Ballyhenry Bay near Portaferry in County Down, Northern Ireland.
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The species is thought to be the second largest type of shark in the world.
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But while the animals remains have already attracted a number of curious visitors, Queen University Belfast has warned members of the public to not get to close to the creature.
A QUB spokesperson for the lab said: Be aware to keep dogs at a safe distance and not to touch without gloves as any animal in this state of decomposition will be harbouring bacteria.
He also added that there was no need to worry about other basking sharks in the water as they are completely harmless to humans.
The huge animals live off plankton and have no interest in hunting other prey – as well as owning no sharp teeth to bite them with.
Anyone who is worried about the size of this shark in your local waters neednt be, the spokesperson said.
Basking sharks are the worlds second largest species of shark and are regular inhabitants of the waters of the UK and Ireland.
They are filter feeders, eating plankton and arent lurking waiting to eat you for lunch.
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