Latest news with #InternationalSharkAttackFile
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jaws Anniversary Coincides With Real-Life Shark Sighting In Rhode Island
Basking sharks, despite their size, pose no threat to humans. They have tiny teeth, no interest in ... More large prey, and spend most of their time following plankton blooms. Just in time for the 50th anniversary of 'Jaws,' a real-life shark sighting had New Englanders channeling their best 'shahk in the pawnd' impressions this week. The moment unfolded at the end of last month near Block Island, Rhode Island; it was here, in the calm waters of the Great Salt Pond, that diners enjoying a seafood meal at Dead Eye Dick's spotted something unusual slicing through the surface. A pair of unmistakable dorsal fins. Phones came out, videos were taken, and soon even the NGO Atlantic Shark Institute was sharing the footage of the sizable animal online. The organization, which monitors shark activity throughout the region, joked about the parallel to the infamous movie and invited the public to guess what kind of shark had found its way into the sheltered saltwater lagoon. Speculation quickly flooded the comments. Guesses ranged from great whites to sand tigers to makos. But the truth was far less dramatic and dangerous. In the video, the silhouette looked imposing, and anyone unfamiliar with shark species could understandably assume it was something dangerous. The shark, as confirmed later by the institute's executive director Jon Dodd, was a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). Enormous, yes, as they are the second largest fish in the ocean after the whale shark. But dangerous? Not quite. They're filter-feeders, cruising through the ocean with mouths wide open to scoop up plankton, not people. A 20-foot basking shark made an unexpected appearance in Rhode Island's Great Salt Pond, stirring ... More memories of Jaws but posing no danger. The one in the Great Salt Pond was around 20 feet long (just over 6 meters), making it relatively modest for its species, which can grow over 40 feet (12 meters) in length. Still, seeing an animal that size in a place where people typically kayak, swim, and anchor boats is enough to give anyone pause. 'The size of these sharks, the height of the dorsal fin, and how they move can be a real attention getter!' said Dodd to a local outlet. 'They can look quite a bit like a great white shark at a glance, or from distance, and that can put people into a panic and justifiably so based on where you might be at the time (think in the water!)' Basking sharks, despite their size, pose no threat to humans. They have tiny teeth, no interest in large prey, and spend most of their time following plankton blooms. And yes, they can look eerily similar to great white sharks, especially if your only reference is the iconic 1975 Spielberg film. 'The good news? They've never been implicated in any bite on a human being, as noted in the International Shark Attack File. They are endangered in some parts of the world and considered 'vulnerable' here in the U.S.,' ASI explained. While the scene may have triggered some instinctive unease, experts were quick to clarify there was no cause for concern. 'Sharks are arriving in Rhode Island daily,' the Atlantic Shark Institute continued in a Facebook post, 'as water temperatures continue to rise and more and more species of shark find them suitable to their liking.' This is part of a larger trend tied to climate change and warming ocean temperatures, which are shifting where marine animals spend their time during the summer months. It's no surprise then that basking sharks, which are normally seen off the coast in deeper waters, are making occasional detours into shallower inlets like Great Salt Pond. Fortunately for any nervous swimmers, the shark didn't linger. By the next day, it had likely found its way back out to open water, leaving only ripples (and viral footage) in its wake. As we mark the anniversary of 'Jaws,' it's worth recognizing how far we have come as a society. Fifty years ago, a scene like this might have ended in alarm and calls for the removal of the individual (likely leading to a grim end for the shark in question). Today, it ends with a Facebook post, a science lesson, and a bit of local pride. After all, not every summer hotspot gets a visit from one of the ocean's true giants.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How can you avoid being bitten by a shark? What to know before swimming in Florida waters
With the anniversary of the most iconic shark flick coming up this month, some might be worried about accidentally making their own "Jaws" when heading to the beach this summer. June 20 will mark the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster 'Jaws," inspiring an entire generation to fear these overlarge fish, particularly great white sharks. For decades, scientists have stressed that shark attacks are considered very rare and the stereotypic characterizations of sharks in media are often filled with misinformation. An annual report by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) shows 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 14 in Florida. According to Tracking Shark, there have been three total shark attacks in the U.S. this year, with one involving a 12-year-old boy in Cocoa Beach, Florida. However, officials later said the laceration on his knee may have been caused by the fin of his surfboard instead of a shark. Florida has one of the largest year-round concentrations of sharks. Scientific data from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission shows that many shark species migrate in and out of Florida's waters each year. Here's how you can keep your family and yourself safe when visiting the state's beaches this summer (or anytime). Sharks usually stay within a range of 60-100 feet from shore; however, Florida Museum of Natural History research has found that most shark attacks occur within 6 to 10 feet of land. According to the International Shark Attack File, a worldwide database of shark attacks, September has the most frequent unprovoked attacks by sharks on Florida beaches. Since 1926, roughly 17% of unprovoked shark attacks in Florida have happened in September. According to ISAF, the county with the most shark attacks in the state is Volusia County, which is the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World' and home to beaches like Daytona, New Smyrna and Ormond Beach. The ISAF says the shark species responsible for most unprovoked bites on humans are the white, tiger and bull. However, the University of Florida notes that all sharks, regardless of size, are predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked. The FWC's guide to sharing the water with sharks says there's no surefire way to avoid a shark bite, but you can reduce your chances of being bitten. Most recorded shark bites are unprovoked, according to ISAF. 'Every year, millions of tourists and residents visit Florida's beaches and waterways, and these beaches and waterways will more than likely contain sharks,' the FWC says. 'According to experts, while there are no guaranteed ways to avoid shark bites, understanding shark behavior could help you make better decisions on when and where to swim.' Of the 88 shark-human interactions that ISAF investigated in 2024, 47 were unprovoked and 24 were provoked. The other 17 cases included boat bites, a shark-inflicted post-mortem bite ('scavenge') and several others were unassigned or classified as 'unconfirmed.' ISAF defines unprovoked bites as incidents where a human who didn't interact with or provoke a shark was bitten. According to ISAF, provoked bites include 'instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, bites on spearfisherman, bites on people attempting to feed sharks, bites occurring while unhooking or removing a shark from a fishing net and so forth.' Stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual. Don't wander too far from shore, which isolates you and places you far away from assistance. Avoid being in the water in the dark or during twilight hours, when sharks are most active. Don't get in the water if you're bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's ability to smell blood is acute. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water. When light reflects off of shiny jewelry – especially under the water – it resembles the sheen of fish scales and might make you look like shark food. Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing – especially if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fish, are good indicators. While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins doesn't mean there aren't sharks in the water – both often eat the same foods. Use extra caution when the water looks murky. Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing or swimsuits could draw a shark's attention. Try not to splash and thrash around in the water, as this may draw a shark's attention. Don't allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark's attention. Be careful when swimming in the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs are some of the sharks' favorite places to hang out. Swim only on beaches with lifeguards on duty. Don't get in the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted. Never harass a shark. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shark bites in Florida: How many attacks happened in 2024? See tips
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Swimmer injured in possible shark attack off North Carolina beach, authorities say
A swimmer was injured in a possible shark attack off the coast of North Carolina on Wednesday, authorities said. The Sunset Beach Fire Department said it received an emergency call around 11:05 a.m. for a potential shark bite at Sunset Beach. The swimmer had sustained a leg injury off near the 31st Street beach access point, authorities said. "Upon arrival, Beach Rescue personnel provided medical care to the injured swimmer, who was conscious and alert," Sunset Beach Fire Chief Richard Childres said in a press release. MORE: 2 friends injured in shark attack in the Bahamas speak out The injured swimmer was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. "At this time, the full extent of the patient's injuries remains unknown, and medical professionals are working to assess the situation," Childres said. Additional details on the victim were not released. Officials are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant. MORE: Shark believed to have injured 4 people in waters off South Padre Island on Fourth of July As of Wednesday afternoon, no further shark sightings had been reported in the area. Unprovoked shark bites are very rare. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites -- including four fatal incidents -- reported globally in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File. Among those, 28 were in the United States, including one fatal attack, according to the database. Swimmer injured in possible shark attack off North Carolina beach, authorities say originally appeared on
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Swimmer injured in possible shark attack off North Carolina beach, authorities say
A swimmer was injured in a possible shark attack off the coast of North Carolina on Wednesday, authorities said. The Sunset Beach Fire Department said it received an emergency call around 11:05 a.m. for a potential shark bite at Sunset Beach. The swimmer had sustained a leg injury off near the 31st Street beach access point, authorities said. "Upon arrival, Beach Rescue personnel provided medical care to the injured swimmer, who was conscious and alert," Sunset Beach Fire Chief Richard Childres said in a press release. MORE: 2 friends injured in shark attack in the Bahamas speak out The injured swimmer was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. "At this time, the full extent of the patient's injuries remains unknown, and medical professionals are working to assess the situation," Childres said. Additional details on the victim were not released. Officials are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant. MORE: Shark believed to have injured 4 people in waters off South Padre Island on Fourth of July As of Wednesday afternoon, no further shark sightings had been reported in the area. Unprovoked shark bites are very rare. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites -- including four fatal incidents -- reported globally in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File. Among those, 28 were in the United States, including one fatal attack, according to the database. Swimmer injured in possible shark attack off North Carolina beach, authorities say originally appeared on
28-05-2025
Swimmer injured in possible shark attack off North Carolina beach, authorities say
A swimmer was injured in a possible shark attack off the coast of North Carolina on Wednesday, authorities said. The Sunset Beach Fire Department said it received an emergency call around 11:05 a.m. for a potential shark bite at Sunset Beach. The swimmer had sustained a leg injury off near the 31st Street beach access point, authorities said. "Upon arrival, Beach Rescue personnel provided medical care to the injured swimmer, who was conscious and alert," Sunset Beach Fire Chief Richard Childres said in a press release. The injured swimmer was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. "At this time, the full extent of the patient's injuries remains unknown, and medical professionals are working to assess the situation," Childres said. Additional details on the victim were not released. Officials are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant. As of Wednesday afternoon, no further shark sightings had been reported in the area. Unprovoked shark bites are very rare. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites -- including four fatal incidents -- reported globally in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File. Among those, 28 were in the United States, including one fatal attack, according to the database.
