While many people fear being attacked by sharks and think that this happens frequently when swimming in the ocean, shark attacks are actually exceptionally rare, however, New York has seen some truly bizarre events in recent months.
A 65-year-old woman sustained a serious shark bite injury Monday while swimming off Rockaway Beach in Queens, marking the first shark attack in New York City since the 1950s, The New York Times reported. However, this was not the first shark attack in New York state this year.
Five people have reported being bitten by sharks on Long Island beaches during the Fourth of July festivities.
The spike in shark attacks began last year, when eight people experienced unprovoked shark bites in the state, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File. Before that, there had only been 12 recorded shark bites in New York state since 1837.
This means that between 2022 and 2023 there have been more reported shark bites in New York than in the previous 186 years.
Scientists investigate why sharks have returned to New York
Scientists have claimed that sharks are returning to Long Island waters thanks to rebounding populations of baitfish such as bluefish and bunkerfish, as well as improved water quality, which attracts other animals. which sharks feed on.
The response has included drones patrolling the water, temporary beach closures and additional lifeguard training, in addition to concerns from some residents.
But this week’s shark bite was especially shocking. While previous bites had resulted in minor injuries, the Rockaway woman had a large chunk of her thigh amputated due to the shark bite, The Associated Press reported, which obtained a photo of the wound.
Gavin Naylor, director of the International Shark Attack File, told the agency that the bite was “qualitatively different” from previous ones. “This is a very serious injury caused by something powerful and unmistakable,” he said. “It’s very deliberate.”
Naylor noted that the shark bite appeared to be caused by a juvenile great white shark, but that a bull shark or bard shark could also be to blame, the AP reported.
Alert swimmers about the presence of predators in the sea
While researchers and officials emphasize that getting a shark bite is still very rare, the most recent incidents serve as a reminder that swimmers in New York are increasingly sharing spaces with top predators.
The bites in New York seem even more bizarre when compared to Southern California, where shark attacks have not increased despite the fact that the area has become a hot spot for great white sharks.
The recent shark bite on a New York City beach is just the latest example of an increase in shark attacks in the state, prompting growing concern among residents and local authorities.
Despite the rarity of these incidents, the coexistence between swimmers and these predators is being put to the test in New York waters.
It may interest you:
1/17
In the last two days it has been reported that at least five people may have been bitten by sharks on Long Island beaches, since only this July 4 authorities saw 50 sharks 200 yards from the shoreline of the beach.
2/17
With drones, Suffolk County authorities are closely monitoring the beaches of Long Island due to the increase in shark sightings in the area.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
3/17
Over the holiday weekend it was reported that at least five people may have been bitten by sharks in this area.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
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4/17
Only on July 4, the authorities saw 50 sharks 200 yards from the shoreline with the help of a drone.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
5/17
The video was shared by the New York State Parks Department which observed a school of sharks just a few yards offshore.
6/17
This worries the authorities since the holiday period is just beginning and a high influx of bathers is expected, especially on weekends. According to experts, the sharks have been seen more often due to a special fish, which sharks normally eat, that has come close to the bay.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
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7/17
Suffolk County Police personnel are closely monitoring the beaches to try to detect sharks so they can close the beaches to the public in time. Cameras with heat sensors are also being used to identify them.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
8/17
Cary Epstein, lifeguard supervisor, operates a drone during takeoff for a shark patrol flight at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
9/17
A drone flies in to land after a shark patrol flight at Jones Beach State Park.
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10/17
Drones are sweeping the ocean off the coast of Long Island in New York to patrol the waters for any danger possibly lurking.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
11/17
Bathers enjoy the shallows while a shark patrol flight takes place.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
12/17
With the security measures, bathers have managed to enjoy the beaches with a greater sense of security.
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13/17
Lifeguard supervisor Cary Epstein monitors the beach as his colleagues conduct a shark patrol on a jet ski at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
14/17
Lifeguards launch a jet ski for a shark patrol at Jones Beach State Park.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
15/17
Lifeguards ride a jet ski during a shark patrol at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
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16/17
The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul reported that they will increase surveillance on the beaches due to the increase in shark sightings. “These new drones will increase the shark monitoring capabilities of local governments on Long Island and New York City, ensuring that local beaches are safe for all bathers,” she said.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
17/17
This includes monitoring with boats and helicopters on Long Island beaches, where several attacks were recorded. To minimize the risk of interactions with sharks, the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends the following shark safety guide.
Credit: John Minchillo/AP
2023-08-10 23:30:00
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