Unusual shark sighting sparks investigation: ‘Rest assured’

Something seems fishy.

A salmon shark baffled locals when it was found this week on the banks of the Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho — but authorities say it’s likely a prank.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) said calls and e-mails came “pouring in” about a shark that had washed ashore.

The jaw-dropping discovery was particularly concerning, as salmon sharks are typically found in the open ocean. Riggins is about 500 miles inland. 

“With so many calls coming in, we felt the need to investigate, and this is what we found,” the IDFG said in a Wednesday statement. “Judge for yourself.”

The IDFG said since no sharks have been observed swimming up any fish ladders, and the only known shark that can live in freshwater is the bull shark, it’s “safe to assume” somebody dropped this creature on the shore as a joke.

“I certainly have laughed about it. This would have been a great April’s Fools Joke,” the IDFG post continued. “Rest assured, we have no sharks swimming around in Idaho.”

The Post has contacted the IDFG for comment.

Salmon sharks, as their name indicates, feed on salmon, as well as squid, sablefish, and herring.

Found in the northern Pacific ocean, salmon sharks can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to nearly 1,000 pounds.

They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a long, torpedo-shaped body and a pointed snout.