A great white shark was spotted breaching the surface near a boogie boarder in Newport Beach, California, on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the afternoon, with the shark jumping out of the water just a few feet away from the boarder.
According to eyewitnesses, the shark was a juvenile, estimated to be around 6-8 feet in length. The boarder was not injured in the incident.
The incident has sparked concern among beachgoers, with many wondering if the shark was attracted to the area by the presence of fish or other marine life.
Great white sharks are common in California waters, particularly in areas with high concentrations of fish and other prey. However, attacks on humans are rare, with an average of only two fatalities per year in the United States.
The shark was seen swimming away from the area after the incident, and authorities have not issued any warnings or advisories for beachgoers.
Great White Shark Sightings on the Rise
While shark attacks are rare, sightings of great white sharks have been on the rise in recent years, particularly in California. According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 64 confirmed shark attacks in California in 2022, with 12 of those incidents involving great white sharks.
Experts attribute the increase in shark sightings to a combination of factors, including warmer ocean temperatures and an increase in marine life in the area.
As the summer months approach, beachgoers are advised to exercise caution when swimming or surfing in areas known to be frequented by great white sharks.
Key questions
- What is the average length of a great white shark?
- The average length of a great white shark is around 11-13 feet, although they can grow up to 20 feet in length.
- How common are shark attacks in California?
- Shark attacks are rare in California, with an average of only two fatalities per year in the United States.
