Shark Dies While Swallowing Sea Lion

A great white shark has washed up dead on an Australian beach - after choking on a sea lion.

Western Australia fisheries officials were left puzzled by the case of the four-metre (13-ft) white pointer.

It had previously been seen thrashing around in the sea off Coronation Beach, 430km (270 miles) north of Perth.

Experts found the shark, which washed up earlier this week, had no sign of visible injury or disease - but they found it had a large sea lion lodged in its throat.

"This could explain why the shark was exhibiting such unusual behaviour in shallow waters off Coronation Beach," said research scientist Rory McAuley.

"It is possible that the shark was trying to dislodge the blockage.

"Such a large object may have damaged the shark's internal organs or impeded water flow into his gills, contributing to his death.

"Alternatively, the shark may have accidentally become stranded in his attempts to get rid of the obstruction."