Trapper trying to catch shark in Florida pond

Mystery surrounds how fish ended up in waterway

INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH, Fla. – A trapper is back at a Brevard County park Tuesday, trying to catch a shark that somehow ended up in the park's retention pond.

Wildlife trapper James Dean came prepared Tuesday, setting up his rod and reel and chumming the Gleason Park pond in Indian Harbour Beach.

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"I've been doing this over 20 years and this takes the cake," said Dean.

Dean says somebody released the 3-to 4-foot bull shark in the pond. A city worker snapped pictures when he saw it earlier this week.

"All the water ways that lead out of this area go directly into the river, not into this pond," said Dean.

The shark was reportedly seen several times Tuesday by folks at the park and was almost caught, but Dean missed his chance when he threw his cast net a little too late.

Some folks who came to the park Tuesday looked on, hoping to spot the shark for themselves, but like the city, most fear it's a danger to the public.

"This a park where families and kids come to enjoy. The first thing the city wants is definitely safety for people who come to their park," said Dean.

It's unclear how long the city and Dean will go at this, but once the shark is finally caught it will be released into the Indian River Lagoon.


About the Author:

Justin Warmoth joined News 6 in 2013 and is now a morning news anchor.