Great White Shark Attacks: What You Need to Know About the Latest Shark Warning

Harpswell, Maine– has recently issued a swimmer advisory after two Great White Sharks were spotted near Bailey Island, a picturesque summer spot just off the coast. While no beach closures are currently in place, Cedar Beach swimmers are urged to be cautious. The concern is understandable because Maine’s last shark attack in 2020 resulted in a tragic fatality.

These recent sightings have reignited public curiosity, fear, and fascination with Great White Sharks. But what do we really need to know about these apex predators? Where do they tend to show up, how can we spot them, and what’s the best thing to do if we encounter one? Here’s what to know before you hit the beach.

Where Are Great White Sharks in the US?

Great White Sharks, or Carcharodon carcharias, are found in oceans around the world, but in the United States, they’re most commonly seen along the East and West Coasts. On the West Coast, sightings are frequent from California up through Oregon, especially during the warmer months. On the East Coast, Great Whites migrate from Florida to the Gulf of Maine, with peak activity in the summer and early fall.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has become a well-known hotspot for Great White activity, especially from July to October. Warmer waters and abundant seal populations bring Great White Sharks close to shore. In recent years, their range appears to be expanding further north, which helps explain why places like Harpswell are seeing more activity than in the past.

Climate change may also play a role. As ocean temperatures rise, so too does the movement of prey species, which Great Whites follow. That means sightings in areas like Maine are becoming more common and more important to monitor.

What Does a Great White Shark Look Like?

Great Whites are big. Like, really big. Adult females can reach up to 20 feet in length and weigh more than 4,000 pounds, while males are typically smaller. Their most recognizable features include a powerful, torpedo-shaped body, a sharply pointed snout, and a recognizable crescent-shaped tail.

Their coloration is classic shark: gray or blue-gray on top, with a bright white underbelly. This contrast provides camouflage in the water, known as countershading. The shark’s coloring blends into the deeper seawater when viewed by animals swimming above it, and it blends into the shallower seawater when seen by animals swimming below it.

You might also notice their large, triangular dorsal fin cutting through the surface when they’re cruising near shore, much like the 1970s film JAWS plays up in the film’s opening scenes.

It’s worth noting, though, that a dorsal fin alone isn’t enough to positively identify a Great White. Other sharks, dolphins, and even sunfish can look similar at a glance. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to alert local authorities rather than trying to make a precise ID yourself.

Great Whites Aren’t the Only Sharks In the Water

Great Whites may get the headlines, but they’re not the only sharks found in U.S. coastal waters. Here are a few others swimmers and boaters might encounter:

Types of Sharks

• Blue Sharks: Slender and sleek, often found offshore. Generally not dangerous to humans.
• Sand Tiger Sharks: Despite their menacing teeth, they’re quite docile. Common along the Atlantic coast.
• Mako Sharks: Fast and agile, known for their leaping ability. They tend to stay offshore but may venture close to land in search of prey.
• Bull Sharks: Aggressive and capable of surviving in freshwater. More common in the Gulf of Mexico and the Southeastern U.S.

Each species has its own behavior and preferred environment, but very few pose a serious risk to humans. Most sharks are shy and avoid contact whenever possible. They much prefer their typical diet over all else.

What to Do If You Spot a Shark in the Water

Shark sightings can be startling, but panic doesn’t help. If you see a shark while swimming or boating, here’s what experts recommend:

1. Stay calm. If you are in the water, avoid sudden movements or splashing, which may attract a shark’s attention.
2. Leave the water slowly and smoothly. Head toward shore or your boat with steady, deliberate strokes.
3. Warn others nearby. If you’re with a group, communicate clearly and quietly, and try to avoid panicking others.
4. Report the sighting. Let local authorities or lifeguards know what you saw and where.
5. Pay attention to beach advisories. Follow local signage, flags, or alerts regarding shark activity.

While rare, shark attacks do happen. But they’re often cases of mistaken identity. Swimmers or surfers may resemble seals or fish to a hungry shark, especially in murky water. The vast majority of shark encounters end without someone being harmed.

Sharks and the Ocean: Why They Matter

Despite their reputation, sharks play a crucial role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other marine animals, which helps keep balance in the food web. When shark populations decline, it can trigger a cascade of unintended consequences, including overgrazing of seagrass beds or the decline of certain fish species.

Great Whites in particular help control populations of seals and other prey species, which in turn benefits fisheries and ocean biodiversity. In many ways, their presence is a sign of a healthy ocean.

Unfortunately, sharks are under increasing threat from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction. According to conservationists, more than 100 million sharks are killed each year globally, many for their fins. This has led to sharp declines in shark populations, including Great Whites.

Shark Conservation and Public Awareness

Fortunately, awareness of shark conservation is growing. Organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Oceana are working hard to educate the public, conduct research, and advocate for policies that protect these important creatures. In places like Cape Cod, satellite tagging and shark-tracking programs have not only advanced our understanding of shark behavior but also made beaches safer for visitors.

You can do your part, too. Support sustainable seafood choices, avoid products made from shark cartilage or fins, and stay informed about local conservation efforts. Even reporting sightings helps researchers gather valuable data.

Don’t Let Sharks Take a Bite Out of Summer Fun at the Shore

If you’re planning a trip to the Maine coast or any U.S. beach this summer, there’s no need to avoid the water altogether. Shark encounters are extremely rare, and most sharks want nothing to do with humans. Still, being observant of your surroundings and respecting wildlife is part of being a smart ocean swimmer or boater.

Heed wildlife advisories, avoid swimming near seals or large schools of fish, and always use the buddy system when going into deeper waters. Keep a respectful distance from all marine life, and remember that the ocean is their home first.

In the end, Great White Sharks are not villains like movies such as JAWS would have us believe. They’re vital, powerful players in a complex ecosystem. The more we understand them, the better we can protect both ourselves and the oceans we all rely on for food and recreation.