Shark Experts Agree: Attacks In Summer Are Normal
POSTED: Tuesday, June 28, 2005
UPDATED: 9:34 am EDT June 28,
2005
MIAMI -- An expert said two Florida Panhandle beaches where sharks separately attacked two teenagers this week haven't ever recorded any shark attacks.
George Burgess is the curator of the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He said the records go back to 1882.
Minimize The Risk Of Shark Attack But he said the two attacks don't indicate a trend. He said bull sharks are common in the Gulf, are aggressive and can be found in shallow water. On Saturday, 14-year-old Jamie Marie Daigle of Louisiana died when a shark mutilated her leg at a beach near Destin.Monday, 16-year-old Craig Adam Hutto of Tennessee was attacked while fishing in waist-deep water off Cape San Blas, 80 miles to the east. His right leg had to be amputated. Experts say shark attacks typically increase in the summer, when the large predators swim closer to shore and tourists flock to the water.
Minimize The Risk Of Shark Attack But he said the two attacks don't indicate a trend. He said bull sharks are common in the Gulf, are aggressive and can be found in shallow water. On Saturday, 14-year-old Jamie Marie Daigle of Louisiana died when a shark mutilated her leg at a beach near Destin.Monday, 16-year-old Craig Adam Hutto of Tennessee was attacked while fishing in waist-deep water off Cape San Blas, 80 miles to the east. His right leg had to be amputated. Experts say shark attacks typically increase in the summer, when the large predators swim closer to shore and tourists flock to the water. Previous Stories:
- June 28, 2005: Vacationers Witness Second Shark Attack Off Florida Panhandle
- June 28, 2005: Beach Patrols Increased After Two Shark Attacks, One Fatal
- June 27, 2005: Rescuer Swam With Shark To Bring Teen Victim To Shore
Copyright 2005 by Local10.com.
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