Beaches Remain Open as Experts Monitor Situation
Two great white sharks have been spotted off the coast of Alabama in the past month, prompting state officials to issue a warning to swimmers and beachgoers.
The first sighting occurred on July 10th, when a group of fishermen spotted a 12-foot great white shark about 10 miles off the coast of Dauphin Island. The fishermen said the shark was circling their boat for several minutes before swimming away.
The second sighting occurred on August 5th, when a beachgoer spotted a great white shark about 20 yards from shore near Gulf Shores. The beachgoer said the shark was about 10 feet long and was swimming parallel to the shore.
Both sightings were reported to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The ADCNR is currently monitoring the situation and has not issued any beach closures. However, officials are urging swimmers and beachgoers to be aware of the presence of great white sharks in the area.
Great white sharks are apex predators that can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. They are found in all oceans of the world, but they are most commonly found in coastal waters off California, South Africa, and Australia.
Great white sharks are typically not aggressive towards humans, but they have been known to attack people who are swimming or surfing. In the past 10 years, there have been four fatal great white shark attacks in the United States.
Experts say that the presence of great white sharks off the coast of Alabama is not unusual. However, they say that it is important for swimmers and beachgoers to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to avoid being attacked.
The ADCNR recommends the following safety tips for swimmers and beachgoers:
Kind regards,
E. Thompson