12-Foot 'Sharkzilla' Terrorizing New York Waters Fuels Wild Mutant Theories

A giant mako shark dubbed "Sharkzilla" is lurking in the waters off New York, sinking its teeth into other ocean creatures and triggering alarm with residents. Read on for the details of this monster predator.

Researchers Awed by Massive Mako Shark

A massive shark measuring nearly 12 feet has been causing concern as it swims off Long Island, New York, hunting other large marine animals. The shark reportedly bit a humpback whale near Montauk, leaving behind a two-foot gash.

Sharkzilla also likely was responsible for a 22-inch gash reported on a grey seal. A 400-pound tuna in the same area of these coastal waters was observed with marks consistent with Sharkzilla's bite.

According to marine scientist Craig O'Connell, the injuries are a sign that these giant sharks are returning to the waters near New York. O'Connell also noted on a recent "Shark Week" episode that some experts hypothesize that the shark could have mutated due to the nuclear waste that has been leaking into this part of the Atlantic for decades. According to O'Connell, “In the late 1960s, they dumped 15,000 barrels of nuclear waste in the Hudson Canyon. Ten years later, they went out to check on these barrels, and they were all leaking.”

Sharkzilla is Pregnant, Not Genetically Altered

These radioactive leaks could be causing the animals to mutate and display abnormal growth patterns. O'Connell said that "If this predator is genetically altered, it could be faster, stronger and deadlier than any predator on Earth. We are calling it Sharkzilla." After tagging and collecting the shark tissue, it was revealed that this particular shark was not officially radioactive and is instead pregnant.

O'Connell went on to detail that the New York coastline is emerging as a danger zone for the large mako sharks, creatures that are capable of growing over 14 feet long. For years, it was believed that these monster sharks had been fished out of the region. However, new evidence indicates that the predators may be back.

An underwater investigation revealed that the waters in this zone of the Atlantic could be breeding grounds for the mako species. Further evidence shows that the female mako sharks are hunting to provide food for their developing pups.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.