Shark Attacks in California: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Ocean

California stands as the world’s third-highest location for shark attacks, with a total of 307 records. The majority of these incidents were unintentional and not sought after. Fortunately, out of these cases, only 24 resulted in fatalities, with the most recent occurring in 2021. The first recorded shark attack in California dates back to 1851, while the latest one took place in October 2022.

The state of California is known for various attractions such as Redwood National Park, Disneyland, and Hollywood, alongside its association with sharks. Although sharks are present in the waters along California’s coastal counties, they seldom bite humans.

The great white sharks, scientifically known as Carcharodon carcharias, have been accountable for at least 180 out of the 203 documented shark attacks in California since 1950. As more people venture into the sea, the number of shark encounters increases.

Consequently, understanding the role of great white sharks in California is crucial. In this article, we will explore the characteristics that distinguish great white sharks from other species. Additionally, we will discuss specific regions in California where encountering these incredible apex predators is more likely. 

The significance of the increased sightings of great whites in California waters in recent years will also be addressed. Finally, we will provide essential safety measures to follow when swimming with sharks.

Types of Sharks in California

Are you a beach lover who resides on California’s beautiful coast? You’ve probably seen a few sharks while soaking up the sun or riding the waves. This is because many species of these fascinating creatures call the Pacific Ocean home. But did you know that California has a particularly high concentration of sharks? 

This means that whether you’re a surfer, kayaker, or swimmer, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. If you’re interested in learning more about these magnificent predators, keep reading to discover the many species of sharks that can be found along California’s coast.

#1 Great White Shark

The great white shark is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring creatures in the ocean. Its massive size and powerful presence make it a formidable force of nature, capable of covering huge distances in search of its next meal. While the adult great white can grow to an incredible length of over 20 feet and weigh at least 2 tons, it is often the juvenile species that are spotted closer to shore, particularly in California. 

These younger sharks are more common in the region because they are constantly on the move, searching for new food sources that they can typically find further inland. Despite their smaller size, they remain just as fascinating and impressive as their adult counterparts, a testament to the sheer power and majesty of these remarkable creatures.

#2 School Shark

The Pacific coast of California is home to a fascinating species: the school shark. Don’t let the name fool you – these creatures aren’t predators seeking to harm humans. Rather, they’re relatively slender fish that grow to lengths of 5-7 feet, and have a tendency to migrate towards kelp beds. 

While they may seem intimidating because of their size, school sharks are actually quite docile creatures. They tend to flee at the first sign of danger, so divers and people in general need not worry about coming into close contact with them.  

#3 Sevengill Shark

The striking school shark is a common sight off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean. Known for their tendency to travel towards kelp beds, these slender creatures can often be spotted in the area. Despite their intimidating-sounding name, there’s nothing to fear from the school shark as they are not a threat to humans. 

In fact, most of them will swim away upon sensing our presence. These friendly sharks typically reach a modest 5-7 ft in length, making them a popular sight for divers and tourists alike.

#4 Pacific Angel Shark

The Pacific Angel Shark is a fascinating creature that stands out from most other shark species. Rather than residing in the open waters, this shark prefers to inhabit kelp beds and sandy flat places on the ocean floor. Its unique body structure, with a flattened body and substantially larger pelvic and pectoral fins, makes it an adept ambush predator. 

And, this shark’s stealthy hunting tactics do not disappoint. Divers who have encountered the Pacific Angel Shark have only been able to notice it once the shark opens its eyes.  

#5 Horn Shark

The Horn Shark is a fascinating creature that is challenging to spot in the ocean’s depths. With colors and markings that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, these sharks are masters of stealth. They can be found near the seagrass and stony reef regions along the ocean floor, making it even more challenging to spot them. 

One of the most intriguing features of the Horn Shark is their tendency to remain in one part of the water due to their slow movement. They tend to stay within a 10,000-square-foot radius of their residence, making them truly unique among other shark species.  

More About Great White Sharks

Great White Sharks are some of the most stunning, yet terrifying creatures to grace the ocean depths. These vast-sized, cold-blooded predatory fish can grow to be as long as 26 feet, but are usually found between 13 and 14 feet in length. Their main diet consists of large fish, turtles, seals, sea lions, stingrays, and even other sharks! 

Although most individuals have a legitimate fear of these sharks due to the media, the chances of being bitten by a great white shark in California are exceedingly low. However, they are still present in the coastal waters of California, usually congregating in the warmer waters during summer. 

Young sharks are often seen near beaches, but these shy creatures generally avoid encounters with people. Despite their intimidating reputation, Great White Sharks remain one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring creatures of the deep.

How Many Sharks Are There in California?

Estimating shark populations in California is a challenging task due to several factors. Firstly, the difficulty lies in accurately counting sharks as they predominantly inhabit the water. Moreover, their constant migration patterns prevent them from remaining in the same location throughout the year.

Despite the challenges, current research suggests that white shark populations are experiencing growth. Evidence of this can be seen in the numerous sightings of over 300 young great whites in the coastal waters of northern California. However, the actual numbers of great whites in the sea vary.

Great white sharks can be found in the coastal waters all around California, but their distribution is not uniform. Certain areas exhibit higher concentrations of sharks compared to others. For instance, the waters surrounding Bird Rock, Tomales Point, Ano Nuevo Island, and the Farallon Islands in Marin County are known to have the highest densities of sharks in California.

Now, let’s explore some of the locations where shark attacks in California occur most frequently. Subsequently, we will discuss the shark attacks that took place last year.

Places in California Where Shark Attacks Happen Most Frequently:

Sharks are abundant throughout California, a fact supported by a historical record of 307 shark attacks in the region since the 1800s. Certain areas have experienced more shark incidents than others. Let’s examine the top 6 locations in California for shark attacks:

#1 Los Angeles County:

Shark attacks appear to be most frequent in Los Angeles County, California. The Global Shark Attack File documents thirty-nine events between 1879 and 2019. The majority of these attacks were unprovoked. Among them, twelve were unprovoked, two were fatal, two have not yet been confirmed to involve sharks, two were classified as “watercraft disasters,” and two as “sea disasters.” The following locations in Los Angeles County were the sites of these attacks: Santa Catalina Island, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Broad Beach, Long Beach, and Malibu.

#2 Humboldt County:

Humboldt County recorded 19 shark attacks, with three classified as “watercraft disasters.” White sharks and leopard sharks were the most commonly involved species. Incidents took place at locations such as Moonstone Beach, Samoa Beach, and Shelter Cove.

#3 Santa Cruz County:

There were 16 shark attacks in Santa Cruz County, including incidents at Capitola Beach and Sand Dollar Beach. Among these, one attack has not been linked to sharks, and four were classified as “watercraft mishaps.” The only fatal attack occurred when a 26-year-old surfer, Ben Kelly, was bitten by a white shark on May 9, 2020, during a surfing accident in Santa Cruz County.

#4 Sonoma County:

Sonoma County documented 15 shark attacks, occurring at locations like Bodega Rock, North Salmon Creek Beach, and Salmon Beach. Fortunately, none of these attacks, which frequently involved white sharks, were fatal.

#5 San Francisco:

San Francisco has experienced ten shark attacks, of which two were deadly. In 1984, there was an attack at Steinhart Aquarium where a man survived a seven-gill shark assault. Most of San Francisco’s attacks occurred in the distant past, and the frequency of shark attacks in the area has decreased since the last one in 2005.

#6 Huntington Beach:

Nine shark attacks have been reported in Huntington Beach. The injured individuals sustained lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds. However, three of these incidents have not definitively been linked to shark attacks.

These statistics highlight the areas in California where shark attacks have been most frequent historically. It is essential to recognize that shark encounters can vary across different locations, and some areas may pose a higher risk for shark incidents than others.

California Shark Attacks 

Based on web search findings, California experienced five shark incidents during 2022-2023. Here is a summary of each event:

On June 22, 2022, a swimmer was seriously harmed by a shark at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, situated along the central California coast. The victim suffered significant injuries to both the leg and stomach and was immediately taken to the hospital. Although the shark responsible remained unidentified, firefighters utilized a drone to search for it.

On August 10, 2022, a surfer endured a shark bite near Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County. The injuries sustained were minor, limited to the foot, and were promptly treated at the location. The shark’s estimated size was around six feet, indicating it was likely a juvenile white shark.

On September 15, 2022, a kayaker was attacked by a shark off the coast of Santa Cruz. The victim was knocked off the kayak and bitten on the arm. Fortunately, he managed to paddle back to shore and request assistance. The shark, believed to be a great white shark, measured approximately 12 feet in length.

On October 9, 2022, another swimmer suffered injuries from a shark at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, the same location as the June attack. The victim sustained moderate injuries to the lower leg and was taken to the hospital. Although the shark was not sighted, witnesses reported hearing a loud splash and observing blood in the water.

On January 12, 2023, a diver encountered a shark attack near San Diego. While diving with friends, the victim felt something grab his leg. He managed to kick the shark away and surfaced, where he received assistance from his friends and a nearby boat. The shark involved was identified as a seven-foot-long mako shark.

The Time of Year Great White Sharks Make Their Appearance in California

When the weather improves and the Pacific Ocean warms up, heading to the beach for some sun and fun becomes a natural choice. However, it’s essential to be aware that this is also the time when white sharks become more active in the deeper waters. Their hunting season typically runs from April to October.

As the day progresses, great white sharks may come closer to the shoreline in search of food sources, making their activity more prominent between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additionally, during dawn, dusk, and nighttime, they tend to swim near the shore. To stay safe, it’s recommended not to swim alone or at night, as these are the times when sharks are more likely to be actively searching for prey.

Despite the popular notion of “shark week,” the chances of encountering or being attacked by a shark are relatively small. It’s similar to carrying an umbrella in California and worrying about rain; the likelihood is minimal. So, while it’s essential to be cautious and follow safety guidelines, there’s no need to overly fear enjoying the beach and the ocean waters.

How to Stay Safe in the Water

Contrary to popular belief, great white sharks are not actively hunting humans in the water. Scientists have found that most unprovoked shark attacks are instances of mistaken identity. Instead of targeting humans, the sharks misidentify them as seals, which are a more appetizing food source. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a shark encounter, there are some steps you can take to reduce your danger. 

Always enter the ocean with a friend, avoid splashing excessively, and never enter the water while bleeding. It’s also important to avoid wearing designs with solid contrast or bright colors, which can attract sharks. Be sure to pay attention to shark advisories and avoid the ocean altogether if beaches publish them. Finally, steer clear of regions with fishermen, fish schools, or seal or sea lion populations. By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of a shark encounter.

Why are Great White Sharks Important?

The ocean’s ecosystem is a complex network of diverse marine life, where each species plays a vital role in maintaining balance and harmony. The Great White Shark is a keystone species, which means they are crucial to the environment’s sustained health and the entire food chain’s equilibrium. 

Unfortunately, due to human activities such as overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss, the populations of these majestic creatures have decreased by a whopping 90% from their historic levels. With such severe declines, our oceans face an uncertain future where their health and the balance of the ecosystem could be at risk. We must take urgent action to save great whites and all sharks before it’s too late. 

FAQs

How many people have been killed by sharks in California?

Since 1950, there have been a total of 13 fatal shark attacks in California. While any loss of life is tragic, it’s important to note that this number is relatively low compared to other causes of death. In fact, Californians are much more likely to die from lightning strikes or drowning than they are to be killed by a shark.  

Are sharks a problem in California?

While shark attacks are relatively rare in the state, they do occur. Just last year, a surfer was bitten by a shark off the coast of Monterey. However, it’s important to note that the majority of shark encounters are non-lethal and often a case of mistaken identity, with sharks mistake humans for their natural prey. Despite this, it’s always important to be cautious when swimming in the ocean and to follow any beach safety guidelines provided by local authorities. 

How rare are shark attacks in California?

Shark attacks are a concern for anyone who loves the beach in California. However, the good news is that shark attacks are quite rare in the state. According to data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there have only been 183 unprovoked shark attacks off the coast of California from 1950 to 2020. While any attack is one too many, it is important to keep in mind that the odds of being attacked by a shark in California are extremely low.  

Final Words

The great white shark is often depicted as a ruthless predator that attacks unsuspecting humans with ease. However, this idea is not entirely accurate, as humans are not the ideal prey for these massive creatures. Due to their slow digestion and the high proportion of bone to muscle and fat in humans, great whites typically break contact after the first bite in most documented instances. 

In rare cases where fatalities have occurred, it is usually due to blood loss from the initial attack rather than complete ingestion or organ loss. To protect both humans and sharks, various activities such as trapping, cage diving, feeding, tow decoys, baiting, and chumming are outlawed in most places. These measures aim to preserve the sizable and highly predictable migratory significant great white shark population, allowing them to thrive within their natural habitat without disturbance.

Reference:

• https://www.foxnews.com/science/great-white-sharks-swimming-california-beach-prompt-officials-issue-advisory 
• https://californiaview.org/california-shark-attacks 
• https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-03/great-white-sharks-more-common-off-california-coast-than-previously-thought-study-says