DNA reveals killers of great white shark found mangled

Over a year after a 15-foot great white shark was found dead with mysterious bite wounds and stripped of its internal organs, DNA analysis uncovered its killers.

Two animals, orcas, also known as killer whales, and broadnose sevengill sharks, were responsible for the gruesome attack, according to a study published this week in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution.

The body of the massive shark, known as the Carcharodon carcharias, was discovered in October 2023 in southeastern Australia, baffling scientists.

“The carcass sparked significant attention from the public due to its size, bite marks, and the speculation of it being the result of a killer whale predation,” the journal explained in its report.

Although its head, spine, and fins were intact, its midsection, including its liver, digestive, and reproductive organs were missing.

Its body was riddled with bite wounds, including a 20-inch one consistent with those from killer whales.

Scientists collected 15 swabs of genetic material from four bite wounds and determined that the killer whale was responsible for the large wound.

Broadnose seven-gill shark DNA was found in the three smaller wounds.

Instances of killer whale attacks on sharks’ livers have been reported from South Africa over the last decade, however, these news findings are significant since they prove they are more pervasive than originally believed to be.

“These results provide confirmed evidence of killer whale predation on white sharks in Australia and the likely selective consumption of the liver, suggesting predations of this nature are more globally prevalent than currently assumed,” the report explained.