FOLLOW US

With Discovery Channel's Shark Week just around the corner, the upcoming episode titled "Cocaine Sharks" explores an intriguing phenomenon.

Sometimes bizarre interactions between wildlife and drugs are not limited to fictional tales. Cocaine and other narcotics have previously made their way into the animal kingdom, and experts are now saying sharks may be ingesting cocaine in the Atlantic Ocean. 

The idea of animals coming into contact with drugs isn't entirely new. 

In a bizarre incident in 1985, a 175-pound black bear became the center of attention when it ingested cocaine discarded from a drug smuggling plane. The February film "Cocaine Bear" was loosely based on this real-life event. 

Cocaine Sharks in Florida Waters

Recent reports suggest that sharks in the Atlantic Ocean might be consuming drugs dumped into the water off the Florida coast by drug smugglers. 

The Coast Guard ship Cutter Bear intercepted a staggering 14,153 pounds of narcotics in international waters during a drug bust last year. 

This leads experts to believe that sharks could be inadvertently consuming bales of drugs that find their way into the ocean. And animals react in unpredictable ways when exposed to drugs.

Marine biologist Tom Hird is among those concerned about the potential consequences of sharks ingesting cocaine. He worries that sharks may not only be consuming the drugs but also getting high from them. 

As part of the upcoming episode of Discovery's Shark Week, titled "Cocaine Sharks," Hird delves into this possibility in collaboration with University of Florida research scientist Tracy Fanara.

Investigating the Impact

In an effort to better understand the phenomenon, Hird and Fanara conduct a series of experiments during the show.

Their experiments include placing fake bales of cocaine in the water, creating dopamine-inducing "fish powder," and simulating a drug drop by tossing fake cocaine from an airplane into the ocean.

Instances of drugs, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals entering waterways and oceans can have profound effects on delicate marine ecosystems.

Hird emphasizes the importance of conducting further research, particularly on tissue and blood samples from sharks, to determine the presence of cocaine or other toxins.

"Cocaine Sharks" promises to be an eye-opening episode exploring the interactions between Florida sharks and drugs. 

As viewers tune in on Wednesday, July 26, at 10 p.m., the hope is that this awareness will spark more research and action to protect fragile marine habitats.