‘Aggressive’ Great White Shark Spotted Near California Surfer as Experts Warn It May Be Hunting for Seals

A large great white shark spotted circling near a surfer off the Southern California coast prompted authorities to close a popular stretch of Huntington Beach to swimmers and surfers.

The shark, estimated to be between 10 and 12 feet long, was reported near Lifeguard Tower 16 on October 13, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department.

The report came from a foilboard surfer who said the shark was circling approximately 300 feet offshore. Officials classified the reported behavior as aggressive under local marine safety protocols and temporarily closed the water from Seapoint Street to the Huntington Beach Pier.

The surfer was not injured in the encounter. Although authorities searched the area using drones, jet skis and rescue boats, they were unable to independently locate the animal.

Marine biologist Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, suggested that the shark could have been an adult hunting for elephant seals. Researchers planned to investigate the sighting and look for the animal.

The incident comes amid increased attention to shark activity along Southern California’s coastline. Experts have pointed to ocean conditions associated with El Niño as one factor potentially affecting where sharks gather. Juvenile white sharks, in particular, favor water temperatures that can draw them toward coastal areas.

Despite the alarming description, experts note that shark sightings do not necessarily mean an animal is targeting people. Great white sharks regularly move through coastal waters, and many encounters occur without incident.

Authorities urged beachgoers to follow posted warnings and lifeguard instructions while the temporary closure was in effect.

Source: DAILYMAIL