Man Caught On Video Hitting Shark With Hammer On Florida Beach

Florida wildlife officials have launched an investigation after a man was caught on camera beating a shark with a hammer on a beach.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon at Bicentennial Beach Park. A video captured by the Harbour House Oceanfront surf cam in Brevard County showed a man catching a shark and then hitting it brutally with a hammer, ClickOrlando reported.

The Indian Harbour Police Department said two men who were fishing near the beach caught a shark and brought it to the shore. The surf cam showed one of the men hitting it on the head multiple times with a hammer.

"Two (2) males were observed catching a shark while shore fishing, bringing the shark to shore, hitting the shark over the head with a hammer, and then dragging the shark back into the water and releasing it," the department said in a post on Facebook.

One person who was present on the beach at the time said it was "disturbing to watch."

"I witnessed a man pulling a shark, normal shark fishing, and proceed to beat the shark over the head with a hammer--just kill the shark ultimately," said Faith Madsen, reported WESH. "Out of nowhere, he just started beating the shark with a hammer. It was disturbing to watch."

Later in the video, one of the two men was seen trying to release the shark into the ocean. He reportedly dragged it into the water until the waves finally took it away.

"To watch that animal maimed in that way was disappointing and horrifying," Madsen said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified the suspect but his details have not been revealed.

"We ask everyone to allow FWC to handle this matter and refrain from addressing anyone involved personally," the department added.

In an email response to WESH, the FWC said it "responded to witness reports and video evidence of an individual striking a shark with a hammer," adding the agency will take "potential resource violations seriously and is currently investigating this incident."

People with any information regarding the incident can contact the FWC at 352-732-1225, or through its website.