NORTH PORT, FL — Five people were arrested on Sept. 9 for trespassing at a construction site while searching for prehistoric shark teeth, the North Port Police Department said in a Tuesday morning social media post.
Those arrested were found on private property in posted construction areas, where entering or walking around can result in felony trespassing charges.
"[They] learned the hard way that shark-tooth hunting on private property can come with a price. You may find shark teeth… but you may also find yourself in handcuffs," police said.
The department also warned that construction sites can pose serious safety hazards, including large holes, water intrusion, unstable ground and heavy machinery.
"If you're looking to satisfy your shark-tooth obsession, there are plenty of places around Southwest Florida where you can do it without risking a trip to jail," police said
People looking to hunt for shark teeth should use designated public areas instead, the department said.
Suggested locations known for finding shark teeth include the Peace River, Caspersen Beach, Venice Beach, Manasota Key Beach, Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Beach.
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