Sharks are not dogs

FORSTER locals have been handfeeding grey nurse sharks like they’re friendly puppy dogs.

One of the locals, Alex, grew up diving with sharks and said feeding them was a special experience.

“I saw a few locals doing it one day so thought I’d try it myself for a bit of fun,” Alex said.

Grey nurses are among the friendlier species of sharks, with divers calling them “the labrador of the sea”, according to Alex. However he urged people not to try handfeeding themselves.

“Any animal is a wild animal that must be treated with respect,” he said.