Shark strapped to car roof in North Port under review by Florida wildlife officials

Imagine you're cruising down the road when something catches your eye... A shark strapped to the roof of a car.

"I was just like, Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore. We are definitely in Florida," said Kelly Vanda.

It's not exactly an everyday sight. Kelly Vanda snapped a photo Thursday night at the corner of Heyward Street and Hornbuckle Boulevard in North Port.

She posted it online, a 7- to 8-foot shark strapped to the top of someone's car.

"People back home are like, 'Is that real?' I'm like, 'Yes, it's real.' I'm like, it's only in Florida, you know?" said Vanda.

Many are wondering right now: Is this legal?

Gulf Coast News reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and officials told our crews the answer depends, specifically, on the species of shark being harvested.

"It was definitely a hammerhead shark. I saw it as soon as I came around the corner. My headlights flashed right on the head of it...As I was driving away, I heard the guy say he does have a license to shark hunt," said Vanda.

If the shark is a hammerhead, as Kelly believes, FWC says it would be illegal to harvest it, even if you have a shore-based shark fishing permit.

"That's kind of wild. Honestly, I'm kind of not surprised," said Fort Myers resident Kara McDonald.

Kara McDonald fishes often. She questioned what the person planned to do with the shark.

"Are they going to use it in the correct way, or are they eating it? Obviously, depending on the type of shark it is. Are they going to use it and eat it or use it for bait?" said McDonald.

FWC says they are looking into this and checking with local law enforcement.