Rare discovery of SALMON SHARK on the banks of the Idaho River leaves residents stunned and concerned — beasts can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and resemble the dreaded great whites

A strange sight has startled the inhabitants riggins, Idahoto an unknown species’washed up’ on the banks of the Salmon River, leaving the local population in shock and confusion.

The Idaho fish and game department received emails and phone calls from concerned residents claiming to have seen a shark off the coast – prompting an investigation.

True to the reports, the creature in question does indeed appear to be a salmon shark, a predator normally found only in the open ocean – Riggins is about 500 miles inland.

Salmon sharks can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 1000 pounds. Their resemblance to a small great white shark means they could inspire fear, but officials don’t think Idaho residents are suddenly faced with a new threat.

In a statement, Idaho Fish and Game said it assumed “someone dropped this on the beach for a good laugh” and that “it would have been a great April Fool’s joke.”

The salmon shark can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh almost 1000 kilograms. However, the average length is 6.5-8 feet

Riggins, Idaho, is a far cry from a salmon shark’s usual habitat.

The North Pacific is where the sharks usually call home – from the Sea of ​​Japan to the Gulf of Alaska.

They are most often found in offshore waters, but occasionally venture offshore beyond the breaker zone.

Although some salmon sharks migrate to Canada’s west coast, they mainly stay within the confines of the Gulf of Alaska.

This makes the presence of a salmon shark in the Salmon River in Idaho all the more confusing.

An influx of salmon sharks would pose a greater threat to the river’s fish than the local community.

The Salmon River is a vital habitat for several fish, including the Snake River sockeye and the Snake River spring chinook.

Idaho’s Salmon River is home to several fish such as salmon and walleye, but has never been home to shark species

Walleye have experienced a population increase in the Salmon River over the years

It is also known as a home to an increasing number of walleye, which researchers recently said was introduced illegally into Lake Cascadeone of the largest lakes in the state.

In addition, the Salmon River plays a critical role in the survival of bull trout, trout trout, and salmon — fish that would make up a significant portion of a salmon shark’s diet.

It is not known how long the salmon shark spotted along the Salmon River had been dead when it was discovered.

Fishermen are allowed to catch salmon sharks, but overfishing is a concern given their diet and the unfavorable reputation sharks often have.