Current:Home > ScamsTiger shark vomits entire spikey land creature in rare sighting: 'All its spine and legs' -Capitatum
Tiger shark vomits entire spikey land creature in rare sighting: 'All its spine and legs'
View
Date:2025-04-16 10:31:57
It appears the shark liked neither its prey's texture nor taste.
A team of scientists reported getting a surprise after they witnessed a tiger shark regurgitate a spikey land mammal from down under that resembles a hedgehog.
In what may be a first-ever world-sighting, James Cook University (JC) announced Thursday, the team spotted the big fish vomit an echidnas, a dome-shaped mammal covered in quills, usually found in Australia and New Guinea.
Researchers from JCU tagging marine life off the coast of Orpheus Island in north Queensland in May 2022 "got the shock of their lives" according to a university press release, when they watched the shark regurgitate "the iconic" Australian animal.
California shark attack:Man hospitalized after shark attack off Southern California coast
'What the hell is that?'
Former JCU PhD student Dr. Nicolas Lubitz and his team reported after they caught the shark, it threw the dead animal up - all in one piece.
“We were quite shocked at what we saw. We really didn’t know what was going on,” according to Lubitz, who said in the release he could only assume the shark had snatched the echidna as it swam in the shallow waters off the island.
“When it spat it out, I looked at it and remarked 'What the hell is that?' Someone said to take a picture, so I scrambled to get my phone."
The echidna was fully intact
Lubitz said the dead echidna was whole in its entirety when it was regurgitated, suggesting a recent kill by the 10-foot long shark.
“It was a fully intact echidna with all its spines and its legs,” the scientist said.
"It’s very rare that they throw up their food but sometimes when they get stressed they can,” Lubitz said. “In this case, I think the echidna must have just felt a bit funny in its throat.”
What do tiger sharks eat?
Tiger sharks are one of the most fierce species in its genus, measure about 15 feet long and often prey on turtles.
The apex predators are known for their dark, vertical stripes, considered dangerous to people and have been implicated in attacks on humans over the years.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (67465)
Related
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Israel says it’s taken control of key area of Gaza’s border with Egypt awash in smuggling tunnels
- Chicago man who served 12 years for murder wants life back. Key witness in case was blind.
- Kylie Jenner Reveals Where She Really Stands With Jordyn Woods
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Who are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
- Lego unveils 2,500-piece 'Legend of Zelda' set: 2-in-1 box available to preorder for $299
- F-35 fighter jet worth $135M crashes near Albuquerque International Sunport, pilot injured
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Taylor Swift fans wait in 90-degree temperatures for doors to open in Madrid
Ranking
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Panda lover news: 2 more giant pandas are coming to the National Zoo in 2024
- Republican blocks confirmation of first Native American federal judge for Montana
- Chicago man who served 12 years for murder wants life back. Key witness in case was blind.
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Journalism groups sue Wisconsin Justice Department for names of every police officer in state
- Planned Parenthood asks judge to expand health exception to Indiana abortion ban
- Kansas special legislative session on tax cuts set to begin in June
Recommendation
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Vermont’s Republican governor allows ghost gun bill to become law without his signature
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman
Watch 'full-grown' rattlesnake surprise officer during car search that uncovered drugs, gun
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Noose used in largest mass execution in US history will be returned to a Dakota tribe in Minnesota
F-35 fighter jet worth $135M crashes near Albuquerque International Sunport, pilot injured
Iran opens registration period for the presidential election after a helicopter crash killed Raisi