The beachgoers at Hollywood Beach in Broward County, Florida, were in for quite a scare —and a spectacle worthy of a documentary— when a massive hammerhead shark decided to come so close to the shore that it almost seemed to ask for a towel and a mojito.
The video, shared in mid-October by the Instagram account OnlyInFlorida, showed the impressive fin of the animal slicing through the water just a few centimeters deep, as the shark slowly made its way along the beach shore.
The scene quickly went viral and generated an avalanche of reactions ranging from astonishment and fear to laughter.
Among the hundreds of comments, some chose to respond with sarcasm: “It can't be... a real shark in the ocean! Incredible!” Others simply conceded to the reality of living in Florida: “Surprise: sharks live in the ocean, and yet some people are amazed.”
The boldest couldn't help but joke about the situation: “Can I pet that puppy?”; “We're going to need a bigger ocean”; and the classic beach line: “Excuse me, could you please tell me the way to the pool?”
There were also those who took it as a natural reminder: “Nature is beautiful. That's why I don't swim in the sea. Pools all day!” And, of course, seasoned Floridians who saw it coming: “I’ve been to Hollywood Beach before and have seen fins in water up to my waist. I'm not surprised at all.”
According to marine wildlife experts, sightings of hammerhead sharks in shallow waters are more frequent during the fall, particularly in mid-October, when cooler temperatures and cold fronts drive these creatures toward the shore in search of their preferred menu of fish and rays.
Some internet users even speculated that the specimen may have come closer due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa, while others noticed a possible tracking device on its dorsal fin.
The video also featured gems like these: "The ocean is like snow… beautiful to look at, not for playing. Goodbye!" "It seems pretty 'hammered'." "If it can't be petted, why does it have the shape of a pet?" "Wait! Sharks in the ocean?"
Fortunately, the shark —which, according to users, was a large female— showed no signs of aggression. It simply swam calmly along the shore, reminding everyone that the sea is its home and we are the guests.
So if you're thinking of taking a dip in Florida, remember the wise advice that was most often repeated in the comments: "Go to the pool! That's where you belong! You're not invited!"
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