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New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
20-foot shark trails behind tiny boat on Block Island, sparking ‘Jaws' comparison: ‘There's a shark in the pond!'
Rhode Island diners got to feast their eyes on a massive 20-foot shark lurking dangerously close to a small boat in a pond on Block Island, according to authorities. Local Jen Seebeck recorded the humongous dorsal and tail fins of the blood-sniffer cutting through the water on Memorial Day while chowing down at local eatery Dead Eye Dicks located on Great Salt Pond, The Atlantic Shark Institute reported. A pair of boaters motored away from the massive shark that was in the saltwater pond on Block Island. The Atlantic Shark Institute The sight of the toothy predator in the small body of water brought to mind the classic film 'Jaws,' which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Advertisement 'There's a shark in the pond!' one person could be heard shouting in the video, a reference to a line in the Steven Spielberg classic. Video showed one small boat motoring in the opposite direction of the quick-moving shark that was of an unknown species, according to the Institute. It appeared to be about 20 feet long, according to Advertisement 'Sharks are arriving in Rhode Island daily as water temperatures continue to rise and more and more species of shark find them suitable to their liking,' the Atlantic Shark Institute wrote in their post. 'Hopefully this shark will find its way out of Great Salt Pond soon and continue on its way!' the institute added. Block Island was recently named one of the 10 best summer destinations in the United States, according to USA Today. Warmer waters off the coast of Long Island are also drawing in the man-eating fish. Advertisement A monster Great White Shark was spotted along the shores of Montauk, which is a popular feeding ground for the toothsome predators, earlier this month, drone footage showed. Experts said the sighting, though a bit early in the season, was normal for this time of year. As summer draws more fish to the shores, experts say sharks will follow, but chances of an unwanted encounter are low.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Saltwater crocodile vs great white shark: Who would win a fight between these aquatic titans
Source: Wikipedia The saltwater crocodile and the great white shark are two of the most fearsome predators in the animal kingdom. Each rules its own territory where on the one hand, the crocodile dominates the rivers and coastal swamps, on the other side, sharks are famous for reigning over the open ocean. Both are apex hunters, built for power, stealth and lethal efficiency. In a rare and deadly encounter, one might overpower the other. By comparing their size, strength, hunting strategies and natural weapons, we explore the possibilities of this epic battle between two of nature's most formidable and iconic creatures each evolved to survive and dominate in its own aquatic domain. There are multiple characteristics that make them different from each other. How do saltwater crocodiles and great white sharks differ Category Saltwater Crocodile Great White Shark Physical Characteristics Massive reptile up to 6 meters long, around 1,200 kg. Tough, armored skin and extremely strong jaws designed to crush prey. Can grow up to 6 meters, weighs up to 2,400 kg. Sleek, streamlined body built for speed. Jagged teeth for slicing flesh and powerful tail for fast bursts. Hunting Skills Ambush predator; waits patiently near water's edge, then strikes explosively. Uses strong jaws to grab and drag prey underwater; performs 'death roll' to tear prey apart. Uses speed and surprise; detects prey with keen senses. Attacks from below with fast, powerful strikes. Bites and releases, then waits for prey to weaken. Natural Habitat Lives in shallow coastal waters, rivers, estuaries, and mangroves in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and India. Thrives in both freshwater and saltwater, stays near shores. Found in cool to temperate coastal waters worldwide. Prefers open oceans and continental shelves. Highly migratory, covering large distances. Intelligence and Instinct Highly intelligent reptile with problem-solving skills and strategic hunting. Uses tools like sticks to lure prey and patiently waits to ambush. Relies mostly on instinct but has highly developed senses (electrical detection, smell). Can adjust hunting strategies using surprise and speed. Historical Encounters Rare encounters with sharks in overlapping coastal areas; typically avoid direct conflict. Both predators cautious to avoid injury. Same as crocodile; encounters rare and usually marked by avoidance rather than fight. Survival Traits Tough armored skin protects against attacks; can hold breath underwater for long periods; powerful jaws and endurance to overpower prey. Relies on speed, agility, acute senses (electrical detection, blood sensing); strong immune system; continuously replaces teeth. Who Would Win a Fight Advantage in shallow, murky coastal or river mouth waters due to camouflage, armor, and crushing bite. Effective at close range with 'death roll.' Advantage in deep, open ocean waters with speed, agility, and hit-and-run attacks. Depends heavily on environment; winner varies by location. Saltwater crocodile vs. great white shark Physical characteristics The saltwater crocodile is a massive reptile measuring up to 6 meters long and weighing around 1,200 kilograms with tough, armored skin and incredibly strong jaws designed to crush prey. In contrast, the great white shark can grow up to 6 meters as well but is lighter up to 2,400 kilograms with a sleek and streamlined body which is built for speed. Its jagged teeth are made for slicing flesh, while its powerful tail allows fast bursts of movement. Both predators are built for killing, but the crocodile relies on brute strength and armor while the shark depends on speed and sharp teeth. Hunting skills The saltwater crocodile is an ambush predator that relies on stealth and patience. It waits quietly near the water's edge then strikes with explosive power by using its strong jaws to grab and drag prey underwater. Crocodiles often perform a 'death roll' to tear apart their catch. In contrast, the great white shark uses speed and surprise, detecting prey with keen senses before launching fast, powerful attacks from below. Sharks typically bite and release waiting for their prey to weaken before feeding. While the crocodile relies on brute strength in close quarters, the shark depends on agility and precision in open water. Natural habitat The saltwater crocodile inhabits shallow coastal waters, rivers, estuaries, and mangrove swamps across Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of India. It thrives in both freshwater and saltwater environments, often staying near shores where it can easily ambush prey. In contrast, the great white shark lives mostly in cool to temperate coastal waters around the world, favoring open oceans and continental shelves. While crocodiles tend to stay close to land and slow-moving waters, great whites are highly migratory, covering vast ocean distances in search of food and breeding grounds. Their habitats rarely overlap making encounters uncommon. Intelligence and instinct Saltwater crocodiles are among the most intelligent reptiles for showing problem-solving skills and strategic hunting tactics. They can use tools, like balancing sticks to lure birds and they even patiently wait for hours to ambush prey. Their intelligence helps them adapt to different environments and prey. Great white sharks rely mostly on instinct but have highly developed senses like detecting electrical signals and smelling blood from afar that guide their hunting. While sharks don't show problem-solving like crocodiles, they can adjust their attack strategies, using surprise and speed to catch prey. Both rely on sharp instincts and specialized skills to survive as top predators. Historical encounters Encounters between saltwater crocodiles and great white sharks are very rare due to their different habitats. When they do meet such as in coastal areas where rivers meet the ocean, they usually avoid direct conflict. Generally, both predators prefer to avoid injury, any of these rare interactions highlight the power and caution both animals use to survive in their overlapping territories. Survival traits Both the saltwater crocodile and the great white shark possess remarkable survival traits that help them thrive as apex predators. The crocodile's tough, armored skin provides strong protection against attacks while its ability to hold its breath underwater for long periods allows it to ambush prey silently. Its powerful jaws and endurance make it capable of overpowering large animals. The great white shark's survival depends on its speed, agility and acute senses, including an extraordinary ability to detect electrical signals and blood in the water. Sharks also have a strong immune system and continuously replace their teeth ensuring they remain effective hunters. Together, these traits make both species highly resilient in their environments. Who would win a fight In a fight between a saltwater crocodile and a great white shark, the outcome would largely depend on the environment and circumstances. In shallow, murky waters near the coast or river mouths, the crocodile's armored body, powerful bite and ambush skills give it a strong advantage. It can use its environment to hide and strike with brutal force. However, in deeper, open ocean waters where speed and agility matter most, the great white shark would likely dominate with its fast swimming, sharp teeth and hit-and-run attack style. If we weigh the chances, the saltwater crocodile might have the upper hand in shallow, coastal waters or river mouths where it can use its camouflage, strong bite, and armored skin to its advantage. Its ability to grab and hold prey with a crushing bite, plus the deadly 'death roll,' makes it a fearsome opponent up close. So, the crocodile has better odds in confined, shallow environments, while the shark dominates in the open sea. The winner really depends on where the fight takes place. Also read: Chimpanzees vs. Bonobos: How they differ on the basis of size, characteristics and more
Sky News AU
16-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Man mauled by shark during morning swim at local South Australian beach on Thursday identified
The swimmer who was mauled by a shark at his local South Australian beach on Thursday has been identified. Emergency services were called to Port Noarlunga Jetty at about 9.45am after reports a swimmer had been bitten by a shark. Richard Vinall was swimming at his local beach in the small seaside suburb when he was bitten on the leg. The beach is a popular local spot for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Swimmers were promptly evacuated from the water, while Mr Vinall was helped to shore and treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital. Divers in the water at the time told Nine News they heard 'blood-curdling screams' from under the surface. One diver said Mr Vinall's partner had returned to shore by the time the attack unfolded, but ventured back into the water when she heard her partner screaming in an attempt to help. Mr Vinall is currently being treated for injuries to his thigh but is in a stable condition. The latest incident comes just two years after 32-year-old Bridgette O'Shannessy was mauled by a Great White Shark while free-diving on a reef with her husband at the same beach in 2023. Her husband pushed the shark away from her during the attack, likely saving her life. Despite being bitten on the head and suffering nerve damage, Ms O'Shannessy miraculously survived. The beach is known for the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve, which Trails SA describe as "South Australia's most intensively used and best known aquatic reserve... (which) is home to more than 200 species of marine plants and animals, and more than 50 species of fish. About 170,000 visitors visit Port Noarlunga each year, while more than 1.2 million people visit the wider Onkaparinga region.
Herald Sun
15-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Man bitten by shark at Port Noarlunga in South Australia
Don't miss out on the headlines from Animals. Followed categories will be added to My News. A man is in hospital in a serious condition after being bitten by a shark at a popular seaside jetty. Emergency services raced to the Port Noarlunga jetty in Adelaide's outer south on Thursday at 9.45am on reports a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark. 'He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition,' the police said. Swimmers have been evacuated from the water. Port Noarlunga Beach, a popular spot for swimming and fishing, is about 33km south of the Adelaide CBD. The alarming incident follows a spate of shark attacks that have hit South Australia, including fatal attacks. In January, 28-year-old surfer Lance Appleby was taken by a shark at Granites Beach in Streaky Bay in the Eyre Peninsula. The attack happened Port Noarlunga Beach, a popular spot for swimmers in southern Adelaide. Picture: NewsWire / Morgan Sette Adelaide teenager Khai Cowley was killed in an attack off Ethel Beach in December, 2023. In October that year, Tod Gendle was killed while he was surfing near Streaky Bay, with a huge 4m great white thought to be the culprit. In May 2023, teacher Simon Baccanello was believed to have been killed by a shark while surfing at Walkers Rock near Ellison on the state's west coast. A memorial for Mr Appleby was held on January 13 this year at a packed hall in Streaky Bay. A surfboard was placed on display next to an image of the young man, as friends and family remembered the 'extraordinary life' he lived. Multiple shark attacks have hit South Australia in recent months. Picture: Supplied Family friend Kayla Window said his 'zest for life, everything outdoors and adventure was inspiring'. 'Quiet by nature, Lance touched many people's lives very deeply,' she said, In a post uploaded on January 4, Mr Appleby's brother Kenneth said relatives were experiencing 'impossible pain'. 'On Thursday evening, we received the tragic news that our much-loved brother Lance had been taken by a Great White Shark while surfing at Granites (beach),' he said. 'The only solace we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved, with a beaming smile on his face. A memorial was held for shark attack victim Lance Appleby in January this year. Picture: Supplied 'Lance was the best brother we could ever ask for. He was caring, fiercely loyal, compassionate, and always up for an adventure. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to express his emotions or talk about them. 'We would give anything to have him back.' Others have suffered serious injuries in attacks. Swimmer Pam Cook was mauled by a shark in October 2023 during her regular morning dip at the small seaside town of Beachport. In desperate scenes near Beachport Jetty, she screamed for help to bystanders who rushed to her aid as she struggled to get out of the water. Diver Bridgette O'Shannessy was mauled by a shark at Port Noarlunga in November 2023. The shark attacked her face and she underwent surgery at Flinders Medical Centre. Originally published as Man bitten by shark at Port Noarlunga in South Australia
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
First Great White Shark of season spotted gliding through clear Montauk waters: video
Here's quite a fish tale. A majestic Great White Shark was seen swimming along the shores of Montauk this week — a sighting that marks the beginning of the summer season. The viral drone footage showed the massive beast gliding close to the shores of Long Island's most eastern point around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, with nothing but clear green water surrounding it. The shark was seen swimming a few hundred feet off the coast of Montauk. Joanna L Steidle via Storyful The 'beauty' was seen just a few hundred feet from the coast and was moving at a leisurely 3.5 mph — just a fraction of its 35 mph capacity, according to the videographer. 'For me this was super exciting, as I have been flying these waters for 8 years and this is the earliest shark spotting I have had in a season and it is also the closest to shore I have spotted a great white,' Joanna L. Steidle wrote on X. The video quickly caught the attention of thousands — who were amazed at the incredible footage, and some who were concerned that the shark might have been swimming in popular wading waters earlier in the spring season than typical. But according to experts, the sighting is nothing short of 'absolutely normal.' The shark is likely an 8-foot-long juvenile. Joanna L Steidle via Storyful 'It is very, very expected this time of the year that the white sharks are moving through the Long Island waters,' Greg Metzger, the chief field coordinator of the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center's Shark research program, told The Post. 'Nothing unusual, nothing strange. All just part of what they do every year for as long as we know they've been here.' The shark didn't appear to be hunting in the video, but the Montauk coast is a popular feeding ground for Great White Sharks, he explained. It's tough to tell from the short clip, but Metzger estimated that the shark was a juvenile and 8 feet in length. There are sharks in Long Island waters year-round, but spring is typically when marine life, including Great White populations, sees a boom. There has been an increase in sightings in recent years for a number of reasons, according to Metzger — one of which is the drone Steidle used to capture the incredible footage. 'That shark might've been swimming through Long Island waters for the last 15 years, but it just wasn't seen by a drone. We have more and more drone pilots out there, there's more people with cell phones. As soon as those pictures are taken, they're put on the internet and so there's a kind of a sense that there's a lot more sharks, but I think it's just because we have technology now that makes seeing and accessing sightings more,' explained Metzger. There has also been a surge in shark food populations, particularly the Atlantic menhaden, thanks to conservation efforts made in the last decade. Those fish tend to swim closer to shore, meaning more sharks are moving in for their meals. Plus, global warming has kicked Long Island summers off sooner and lasts longer, which has resulted in sharks spending more time in New York waters. Despite the increase, the risk of a shark encounter remains low 'This is very common. There's not anything to be alarmed of or about. It's just this time of the year,' he said.
