Officials believe young shark bit a woman at a New York beach
Woman Likely Bitten by Juvenile Shark at Jones Beach State Park, New York
WANTAGH, N.Y. — A 20-year-old woman was likely bitten by a juvenile shark while waist-deep in the surf at a suburban New York beach, according to state officials.
The unidentified woman suffered minor cuts to her left leg and foot after being bitten Wednesday at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island. She was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a release from state parks officials.
The woman did not see what bit her, and a subsequent drone search for dangerous marine life was not successful. But experts analyzing photos of the injuries and other factors believe the bites “most likely” came from a juvenile sand tiger shark, state officials said.
Swimming was immediately suspended after the incident and resumed Thursday morning after a check of the water by drones and lifeguards.
A 20-year-old woman had a frightening encounter with a shark while enjoying the waters at Jones Beach State Park in New York. The incident occurred when the woman was waist-deep in the surf and felt a sharp bite on her left leg and foot. Although the cuts were minor, she was promptly treated for her injuries, which fortunately were not life-threatening.
Despite not seeing the shark that bit her, experts studying the injuries and other evidence believe that the bites were most likely caused by a juvenile sand tiger shark. Following the incident, swimming activities at the beach were temporarily halted as a precautionary measure. A thorough search of the water was conducted using drones and lifeguards before swimming was deemed safe to resume the next day.
Shark encounters are rare in the waters off Long Island, but it serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life that inhabits the area. State officials are continuing to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of beachgoers at Jones Beach State Park.
