A California shark cluster has been reported by the U.S. Coast Guard, with about 20 great white sharks in the cluster.
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A California shark cluster of great whites spotted about 100 yards off a beach near San Francisco has prompted safety concerns for swimmers and others using the water for recreation.
Two coast guard helicopters, which are flying 500 feet above the ocean, found the group of shark on October 16, according to Mary Jane Schramm, representative from Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Most of the sharks were between 10 and 15 feet long, but a few “really big” individuals were up to 18 feet long.
Great whitened sharks can typically grow around 15 to twenty ft and may even weigh around 5000 pounds. These sharks can be identified by their grayish skin, white bellies, and bullet-shaped bodies. They are armed with sharp and triangular teeth that can tear the flesh of their prey. They like swimming in temperate, warm, salty seaside seas.
According to David McGuire, director of the nonprofit shark conservation group Shark Stewards, clusters of smaller great white sharks have been spotted along California’s cost this summer due to the unusual high water temperatures.
The sighting was considered odd as these fully mature sharks often swim from the ocean toward the Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo, and Drakes Bay this time of the year.
As per the Census for Marine life, it is estimated by experts that there are around 3500 great white sharks in the world right now.
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Despite their natural presence in our waters, shark attacks on humans are still very rare. Only smaller juveniles are usually what people see along the coast. No one was injured after the sharks were spotted, however. “I won’t stop enjoying the ocean, but I might swim and surf somewhere else for a few days”, McGuire said, adding that those entering the ocean should be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to posted signs about possible sharks in the area.
