UPDATE: Facebook Photo of Dead Shark off Thimble Islands Removed

BRANFORD, CT - The catching and killing of a sand shark off the Thimble Islands of Branford on Monday - and the subsequent posting of a picture of the dead shark on social media - has stirred much debate.

So much so that the person who originally posted the photo of the shark has taken it off her Facebook page.

The comments about the killing of the shark were mostly negative - and that the shark was of no danger and should have been released back into the waters.

Comments include: “It’s a harmless sand shark living his best life in the Thimble Islands. Should have put him back.”

“We caught two, three nights ago the same size. We released them!”

“That’s a sandbar shark and it’s protected and not to be harvested in Connecticut waters. The sand tiger shark is also protected under the same regulation.”

“Sand tiger sharks, also known as gray nurse sharks, have a deceivingly ferocious look. They are large-bodied and display a mouthful of sharp teeth that protrude in all directions, even the mouth is shut. Despite this, they are a docile, non-aggressive species, known to attach humans only when bothered first.”

“You were surprised a shark was in the water - so you killed it?”