Great White Shark Sighting Prompts Warning at Maine Beaches

Great White Shark Sighting Prompts Warning at Maine Beaches

A recent drone video captured a large great white shark near some of Maine's popular beaches, leading police in a coastal town to issue a warning. The shark, estimated to be 10 to 12 feet long, was seen near Crescent Beach State Park, Higgins Beach, and Pine Point Beach. The footage, taken by a commercial clam fisherman, showed the shark swimming just beneath the surface, with its grey fin visible through the water.

While great white sharks are not commonly seen off the coast of Maine, sightings have increased in recent years. Scientists attribute this to the growing population of seals in the area, as white sharks feed on marine mammals like seals. The police department in Scarborough shared the drone footage to inform the public about the shark's presence and ensure community awareness.

Maine experienced its first recorded fatal shark attack in 2020 when a great white shark killed a 63-year-old woman off Bailey Island. The incident prompted authorities to enhance efforts to warn beachgoers about potential shark encounters. Despite the rarity of fatal shark bites and unprovoked attacks in Maine, officials emphasized the importance of staying informed and cautious when enjoying the state's coastal waters.