Shark bites off more than it can chew, had sea lion lodged in throat

PERTH, Australia, July 21 (UPI) -- Australian Department of Fisheries officials were surprised when they found a sea lion lodged in the throat of a great white shark after cutting it open.

Beachgoers saw the shark thrashing around in the water two days prior to it washing up on the shore on Coronation beach Thursday. They cut the shark open to find an Australian sea lion in its throat.

"This could explain why the shark was exhibiting such unusual behavior in shallow waters off Coronation Beach. It is possible that the shark was trying to dislodge the blockage," said Principal Research Scientist Dr. Rory McAuley. "Such a large object may have damaged the shark's internal organs or impeded water flow into his gills, contributing to his death. Alternatively, the shark may have accidentally become stranded in his attempts to get rid of the obstruction."

The shark measured 13 feet long.