Hammerhead shark washes ashore in North Carolina

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (NBC, KYMA) - Local researchers are looking for answers after a massive hammerhead shark washed up on a North Carolina beach.

The 14-foot great hammerhead shark washed ashore Sunday afternoon.

Due to the shark's size several emergency crews worked together to bring the animal fully onto the shore.

Experts said the shark was already dead when emergency crews retrieved it.

Members of the North Carolina Shark Conservancy worked on the sand, collecting measurements and tissue samples from the female shark.

The exact cause of death remains unknown, while researchers noted evidence of fishing interaction.
Including a deep laceration at the base of the shark's tail fin and a puncture mark near its jaw.

Officials removed the shark's body from the beach and are properly disposing of it.