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Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Science
- Newsweek
11ft Great White Shark Just Spotted off Long Island Coast As Summer Nears
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As summer approaches, a juvenile great white shark named Dold has today been detected off the Long Island coastline, marking the latest milestone in a months-long migration that has taken him up the U.S. East Coast. While beachgoers are planning trips to the shore to enjoy the good weather, but many will be thinking about what lurks in the water, and the latest data from trackers at OCEARCH gives an insight to shark behaviors. First tagged by researchers from OCEARCH in February near the Florida–Georgia border, Dold weighs 761 pounds and measures 11 feet 2 inches from tip to tail. His most recent position, recorded in the early hours of June 20, places him off the coast of Long Island, some 80–120 miles offshore—near the Hudson Canyon, a common corridor for migrating sharks. This is Dold's first ping since May 21, when he was detected in the Florida Gap off the coast of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Since being tagged, Dold has covered an estimated 2,875 miles in just under four months, demonstrating the far-reaching seasonal migrations juvenile white sharks undertake in search of prey and suitable water temperatures. OCEARCH, a global nonprofit that tags and tracks marine life for scientific study, monitors sharks like Dold to better understand their behavior, travel patterns, and environmental needs. Their insights also help inform public safety along populated coastlines. A file photo of a great white shark off the coast of False Bay, South Africa. A file photo of a great white shark off the coast of False Bay, South Africa. AlessandroShark Activity off the U.S. Coast As summer heats up and crowds return to U.S. beaches, the movements of sharks like Dold serve as a seasonal reminder of increased shark activity near shorelines. Spring and summer months bring warmer waters, which white sharks favor as they move north for feeding and breeding. Great white sharks are found along both the East and West Coasts of the United States. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF)—which is maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History—the U.S. leads the world in the number of unprovoked shark bites each year. In 2023, the U.S. reported 36 unprovoked shark bites, including two fatalities. Florida had the highest number (16 in 2023), followed by Hawaii, California and New York. Despite this, fatal shark attacks are extremely rare. Between 2013 and 2022 there was an average of just one fatal shark bite per year in the U.S., compared with tens of millions of people entering the water annually. By contrast, Shark Guardian estimates approximately 100 million sharks are killed globally each year, including being intentionally targeted for fishing as well as those caught by bycatch in fishing nets. Other Sharks on the Radar Lower down the Atlantic seaboard, another shark continues to make waves: Contender, currently the largest great white shark tracked by OCEARCH. A huge 1,653 pounds and 13 feet 9 inches, contender has been pinged several times this year, most recently on June 7 in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Though Dold and Contender are impressive in size and range, the record for the largest great white ever reliably documented remains with Deep Blue—a massive female shark estimated at 20 to 21 feet long and weighing around 5,000 pounds. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about sharks? Let us know via science@
Fox News
17 hours ago
- Fox News
Beaches with most shark attacks as Americans pay tribute to 'Jaws' and activist weighs in
Print Close By Ashley DiMella Published June 20, 2025 With Friday marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic film "Jaws," many Americans are paying tribute to sharks even as reports of recent attacks grab headlines. On Tuesday, a swimmer was bitten on the leg while in South Carolina, according to Hilton Head Fire and Rescue. A nine-year-old girl was also recently bitten while snorkeling off Boca Grande, Florida. DAREDEVIL TO SWIM SHARK-FILLED WATERS IN CELEBRATION OF 'JAWS' 50TH ANNIVERSARY There have been 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 28 taking place in the U.S., according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File (ISAF). Florida beaches have logged the highest number of shark attacks, with 942 unprovoked bites since 1837. Hawaii has 199, while California has 141, ISAF has noted. Activist Julie Andersen, founder of the New York-based Shark Angels, told Fox News Digital that recent attacks do not indicate an increase in sharks in the oceans. SHARKS SURROUND SNORKELING TOURIST DURING WILD ENCOUNTER: 'THEY LOOKED TERRIFYING' "The rise in sightings is due to a mix of factors: more people in the water, better technology, shifting ocean conditions, and in some cases, successful conservation," she said. "Today, more swimmers, surfers and beachgoers are capturing and sharing their experiences." She added, "With drones, GoPros and social media, encounters that once went unnoticed are now widely shared. Sharks have always been there. We're just seeing them more often." Shark Angels is dedicated to shark conservation by transforming fear into fascination and promoting education to dispel myths about sharks, the group notes. RARE 16TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK FOUND AT RECORD DEPTH IN FRENCH WATERS: 'REMARKABLE DISCOVERY' Andersen said that in places like California or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, white shark populations are rebounding "thanks to decades of protection." She said their return is a sign of healthier oceans. The American Association for the Advancement of Science estimates about 274,000 sharks are killed globally each day. Andersen said several beach communities are seeing higher numbers of sharks this summer. "Based on trends over the past few years, shark behavior is clearly shifting," she said. "From the West Coast to the East Coast and even parts of Mexico, sightings are increasing in places like California, Cape Cod, the Carolinas, Florida, and Baja." Andersen said, "New Smyrna Beach in Florida holds the title of 'shark bite capital of the world.' Located in Volusia County, it consistently tops global charts for shark encounters." For more Lifestyle articles, visit She also said that "most of these bites are minor, often from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish. Many don't even require stitches." One daring endurance athlete is paying a special tribute to "Jaws" by swimming 62 miles around the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts — where the film was set. Lewis Pugh said his goal is to raise awareness of the need to protect sharks and to change public perception of the mighty fish. Pugh said the popular 1975 movie showcased sharks as "villains, as cold-blooded killers," he told The Associated Press (AP). "It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for 50 years, we have been attacking sharks … It's completely unsustainable. It's madness. We need to respect them," Pugh told AP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Not sure what to do if you encounter a shark in the water? The folks at Shark Angels shared some insights to consider. 6 shark tips you must know this summer 1. "If a shark comes near you in the water, stay calm. Do not panic." 2. "Make and maintain eye contact. Sharks are opportunistic predators and prefer an easy target. When they know you see them, they are much less likely to approach." 3. "Avoid flailing, yelling or trying to hit the shark. Quick, erratic movements can trigger a response." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 4. "Instead, move slowly and steadily. Keep your eyes on the shark and calmly head toward shore or safety." 5. "Do not act like prey. Just as you would not run from a lion or a bear, do not flee from a shark." 6. "If you come across one in the wild, give it space and stay composed. Sharks are not looking for a human meal." Print Close URL
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Beachgoer airlifted after South Carolina suspected shark attack
Beachgoer airlifted after South Carolina suspected shark attack Show Caption Hide Caption What to do if you are bitten by a shark Tips for what to do if you are bitten by a shark A beachgoer in South Carolina suffered serious injuries in what local first-responders are calling a suspected shark attack. The incident, in which local officials said the victim suffered major injuries to her leg, happened in waters off the south end of Hilton Head Island, a local dispatcher confirmed to USA TODAY Thursday, June 19. The island is about 45 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. "The incident involved a patient with a leg injury consistent with lacerations typically associated with a shark bite," a Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue official wrote in press release obtained by USA TODAY. Crews responded at 12:07 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, to a medical emergency near beach mile marker 24 in Sea Pines Beach, according to the release. Lifeguards and firefighters treated the victim at the scene before she was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport, the release continues, where a medical helicopter flew her to a Savannah facility for further treatment. The victim's age, name and condition were not immediately known on Thursday, June 19, but first-responders at the scene determined the injuries to be non-life threatening. Shark siting: Massive great white shark resurfaces off North Carolina coast Hilton Head Island shark attacks The incident marked the first reported likely shark bite of Hilton Head's summer season, Shore Beach Service director Mike Wagner told USA TODAY. The agency, which provides year-round beach patrol for 13.5 miles of the island's beaches according to its website, also responded to assist the victim. Local charter captain Chip Michalove, The Island Packet reported, said Hilton Head beaches see two or three shark attacks each year, "occasionally seeing spikes of up to a half-dozen." USA TODAY has reached out to Hilton Head fire officials for more information. North Carolina suspected shark attack: Warning issued toa beach visitors Shark bite could mark state's first encounter of 2025 If confirmed, the attack could be the state's first reported shark encounter with a human in 2025. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks last year. Four of them died, including one person in the United States. Each year, according to ISAF, the world averages about 65 documented shark attacks. On average, six fatal attacks are reported each year. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliea According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bit in an unprovoked attack last year and of them, four fatalities took place, including one in the United States.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Hegseth jokes about US allies doing nothing in Afghanistan – despite hundreds losing their lives
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to make light of the contributions made by America's NATO allies during the war in Afghanistan at a Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth attempted to make a point that the White House and President Donald Trump himself have frequently made: that other NATO member-states should increase their defensive capabilities to match the benchmarks laid out in the defense pact's charter. Instead, the secretary harked back to a remark he told Sen. Chris Coons (D-Conn.) was commonly made by US service members on the ground in Afghanistan during his time in the service. Hegseth said his fellow Army National Guardsmen would often joke that the ISAF acronym on their shoulder patches — which stood for International Security Assistance Force — really stood for, 'I saw Americans fighting.' 'Ultimately it was a lotta flags. Lotta flags. [But it] was not a lot of on-the-ground capability,' Hegseth continued in disparaging the NATO troops. 'You're not a real coalition, you're not a real alliance, unless you have real defense capability, and real armies that can bring those to bear.' His remark drew immediate rebuke from Coons, who noted the military and human contributions that America's allies made after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when NATO's Article 5 was invoked for the first time. The Democratic senator launched into an explanation about how Denmark, with a population of just six million, suffered some of the highest losses per capita of any coalition ally, only closely trailing the United States. 'Let's just make clear for the record that our military partners in Afghanistan included many who served and died,' said the senator. But Hegseth wasn't finished. 'Don't try and make it look like I don't care about the investments of our partners,' said the secretary. 'Of course I do. I recognize that there were lives lost from other countries. But the bulk of the effort was Americans.' Alongside the US, 31 other countries participated in the war in Afghanistan and saw soldiers killed in combat and due to other circumstances. The U.S. lost 2,461 troops over the course of the longest military engagement in U.S. history, followed by the UK, which lost 457 service members. The final deaths of the war occurred during a chaotic withdrawal from the country in 2021, following the fall of large tracts of territory to Taliban militants the U.S .and its allies failed to dislodge over the course of 20 years. A blast attributed to Islamic State militants killed more than a dozen US service members outside of Kabul's airport during the evacuation, while thousands of desperate Afghans crowded the facility and sought exit on American planes. America's participation in the war grew unpopular as it dragged on, and the withdrawal of forces was ordered by Donald Trump during his first presidency. Completed under Joe Biden, the chaotic nature of the pullout and the speed of the collapse of Afghanistan's democratic government were points of soreness and contention in Washington, with defense hawks fretting that the Taliban takeover amounted to the country turning into a breeding ground for al Qaeda, the Islamic State and other terror groups once again. Britain's House of Commons library reports that the total cost of UK contributions to the war topped 32.8 billion pounds, adjusted for 2024-25 price levels. Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees were also resettled by the UK and other US partners. In 2021 and the two years following, Afghan refugees were the most common nationality accepted by the Home Office, according to the government's figures. The Trump administration in January froze a program allowing Afghan citizens who helped the US during the war against the Taliban, Islamic State and Al Qaeda to resettle in America.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How can you avoid being bitten by a shark? What to know before swimming in Florida waters
With the anniversary of the most iconic shark flick coming up this month, some might be worried about accidentally making their own "Jaws" when heading to the beach this summer. June 20 will mark the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster 'Jaws," inspiring an entire generation to fear these overlarge fish, particularly great white sharks. For decades, scientists have stressed that shark attacks are considered very rare and the stereotypic characterizations of sharks in media are often filled with misinformation. An annual report by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) shows 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 14 in Florida. According to Tracking Shark, there have been three total shark attacks in the U.S. this year, with one involving a 12-year-old boy in Cocoa Beach, Florida. However, officials later said the laceration on his knee may have been caused by the fin of his surfboard instead of a shark. Florida has one of the largest year-round concentrations of sharks. Scientific data from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission shows that many shark species migrate in and out of Florida's waters each year. Here's how you can keep your family and yourself safe when visiting the state's beaches this summer (or anytime). Sharks usually stay within a range of 60-100 feet from shore; however, Florida Museum of Natural History research has found that most shark attacks occur within 6 to 10 feet of land. According to the International Shark Attack File, a worldwide database of shark attacks, September has the most frequent unprovoked attacks by sharks on Florida beaches. Since 1926, roughly 17% of unprovoked shark attacks in Florida have happened in September. According to ISAF, the county with the most shark attacks in the state is Volusia County, which is the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World' and home to beaches like Daytona, New Smyrna and Ormond Beach. The ISAF says the shark species responsible for most unprovoked bites on humans are the white, tiger and bull. However, the University of Florida notes that all sharks, regardless of size, are predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked. The FWC's guide to sharing the water with sharks says there's no surefire way to avoid a shark bite, but you can reduce your chances of being bitten. Most recorded shark bites are unprovoked, according to ISAF. 'Every year, millions of tourists and residents visit Florida's beaches and waterways, and these beaches and waterways will more than likely contain sharks,' the FWC says. 'According to experts, while there are no guaranteed ways to avoid shark bites, understanding shark behavior could help you make better decisions on when and where to swim.' Of the 88 shark-human interactions that ISAF investigated in 2024, 47 were unprovoked and 24 were provoked. The other 17 cases included boat bites, a shark-inflicted post-mortem bite ('scavenge') and several others were unassigned or classified as 'unconfirmed.' ISAF defines unprovoked bites as incidents where a human who didn't interact with or provoke a shark was bitten. According to ISAF, provoked bites include 'instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, bites on spearfisherman, bites on people attempting to feed sharks, bites occurring while unhooking or removing a shark from a fishing net and so forth.' Stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual. Don't wander too far from shore, which isolates you and places you far away from assistance. Avoid being in the water in the dark or during twilight hours, when sharks are most active. Don't get in the water if you're bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's ability to smell blood is acute. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water. When light reflects off of shiny jewelry – especially under the water – it resembles the sheen of fish scales and might make you look like shark food. Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing – especially if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fish, are good indicators. While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins doesn't mean there aren't sharks in the water – both often eat the same foods. Use extra caution when the water looks murky. Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing or swimsuits could draw a shark's attention. Try not to splash and thrash around in the water, as this may draw a shark's attention. Don't allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark's attention. Be careful when swimming in the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs are some of the sharks' favorite places to hang out. Swim only on beaches with lifeguards on duty. Don't get in the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted. Never harass a shark. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shark bites in Florida: How many attacks happened in 2024? See tips
