If you’ve been thinking about squeezing in just one more beach day before the end of summer, you may want to proceed with caution. Sharks are primarily found along the southern region of our state’s coastline, but they’ve been popping up more frequently along the Northern California coast this summer. In fact, authorities are advising swimmers to be on the lookout for great white sharks specifically after a sighting was reported just last week. Read on to find out where shark sightings have occurred so far this summer and what this means for the Northern California coast.
Shark sightings usually aren't too common here in Northern California but this summer seems to be different. Several great white sharks have been sighted so far this summer, and experts believe this will continue to occur for months to come.
The most recent sighting occurred on August 10 in Half Moon Bay, just south of Pillar Point Harbor. The shark was reported to be a great white shark which are commonly seen off the California Coast. However, sightings have occurred more frequently this year than in years past.
In fact, there's one section of coastline that sharks have especially taken a liking to. The region between Seacliff State Beach and Capitola in the Monterey Bay has been teeming with sharks this summer, and surfers and swimmers have been urged to be careful when entering the water.
Another shark sighting occurred earlier this summer in July when a group of fishermen accidentally reeled in a great white shark. Although great whites aren't known to be super aggressive towards humans, these sightings definitely shouldn't be taken lightly.
Although the first thing that may come to mind when you hear about a shark sighting is probably a scene from the blockbuster "Jaws", that couldn't be further from the truth. Great whites aren't known to be especially hostile, but they may take a curious bite out of something that they see as strange.
Scientists say that we should expect to see more and more great white sharks in the upcoming months. August through October is typically the time of year that adult sharks return to the coast after migrating to the deep ocean. Additionally, warmer ocean waters have made the NorCal coast more and more appealing to returning sharks.
Although you shouldn't let the report of shark sightings keep you away from the entire coast this summer, you'll definitely want to keep this in mind for when you do plan a beach day. Stay safe and always use caution when taking a quick dip.
