Shark Attack

[chrisv]

Heard over the SO channel, appears to be fatal. Nothing further right now.

[Miss Kitty]

Just heard this on Fox News...Said it was at a campground near Destin (Walton Co.). First confirmed a death and later stated extent of injuries not known. How awful!

[Miss Kitty]

Media in action...CNN says it happened in Ft. Walton Beach, a girl's leg was bitten off and she later died. Shark was believed to be 11 ft. long...no species yet. Beaches were closed. I look forward to hearing from the locals who will be able to set this straight.

[kurt]

I was out at Grayton when they put the red flag up about noon. Someone asked the deputy why the beaches were being closed with calm water and he replied there was a fatal shark attack somewher nearby.

CNN is reporting a possible 11 footer took off a 14-year-old girl's leg and she died. They have conflicting info on the location and report it as "Walton County".

[SHELLY]

Latest I've heard that it was in Walton County (not Ft Walton Beach):

"Details of the attack near Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park in Walton County and the victim's name were not immediately released. Coast Guard spokesman Shawn McGivern in Mobile, Ala., said authorities were trying to track down the victim's relatives."

[kurt]

Latest I've heard that it was in Walton County (not Ft Walton Beach):

"Details of the attack near Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park in Walton County and the victim's name were not immediately released. Coast Guard spokesman Shawn McGivern in Mobile, Ala., said authorities were trying to track down the victim's relatives."

I was thinking it might be there but didn't want to speculate. Where did you get this info?

[chrisv]

Oh lord. I was driving around when I heard it on the radio, didn't hear the whole exchange. Sad.

[SHELLY]

>>I was thinking it might be there but didn't want to speculate. Where did you get this info?<<

It's an Associated Press release being beamed all across the country and all around the world as we speak.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Jun 25, 3:55 PM EDT

Young Person Dies in Fla. Shark Attack

SANDESTIN, Fla. (AP) -- A young person was killed Saturday in a shark attack near a campground on the Gulf of Mexico, authorities said.

"We have had a confirmed shark attack. The scene is still under investigation," said Darlene Drury, spokeswoman for South Walton Fire-Rescue. Area beaches were closed to swimmers immediately afterward.

Details of the attack near Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park in Walton County and the victim's name were not immediately released. Coast Guard spokesman Shawn McGivern in Mobile, Ala., said authorities were trying to track down the victim's relatives.

Patrick O'Neill, the campground's general manager, refused to comment.

The attack came near the height of the summer tourist season in the Florida Panhandle. Crowds were drawn to the beaches Saturday by temperatures in the upper 80s and high humidity.

"There are a lot of people on the beach," said Mike McKee, front desk supervisor at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort and Spa. He said hotels are typically booked to capacity at this time of year.

"This doesn't happen very often at all - very, very seldom," he added.

Florida had the largest number of documented shark attacks worldwide last year with 31.

[phdphay]

Fox News said it happened at 11:15 AM. Someone told me that this is an unusual time of day for a shark to be so close to the beach and attack. Is that true, marinebiology451 (or anyone who knows about sharks)?

[kurt]

Early morning or late evening is when they are most active. They usually don't bother swimmers unless there is blood in the water. A very small amount will attract them, such as if someone is fishing and they hook a fish that bleeds, a small cut on a swimmer, or a swimmer menstruating.

[kikid70]

I am from South Louisiana and just heard about the incident. If my sources are correct, the girl is from here and goes to a local schoo.. Any information would be appreciated.

[Smiling JOe]

I've been out and about and was shocked to hear the news over the radio. The report I heard mentioned multiple sharks were chasing bait fish. They also mentioned that the 14 yr old girl was out 250 yards from the beach when she was attacked. She lost her leg and later died.

[phdphay]

Early morning or late evening is when they are most active. They usually don't bother swimmers unless there is blood in the water. A very small amount will attract them, such as if someone is fishing and they hook a fish that bleeds, a small cut on a swimmer, or a swimmer menstruating.
Thanks. It's so sad ... and scary.

[Smiling JOe]

Walton County Ordinance
Sec. 22-40. Regulation of use and conduct on the beach.
(f) Use of rafts, floats, and other flotation devices. Noperson shall:
(1) Use any raft, float, body board, or other flotation device of any description, except for a vessel or sailcraft, more than 500 feet from the water's edge.


One of the suggestions to avoid possible shark attack is to stay near shore, and make sure that many others are in the water around you. This girl was reported to be 250yards (750ft) from shore when she was attacked. It really stinks that she was attacked. I heard a surfer who was once attacked in Hawaii say that the sea is a great big wilderness filled with wild animals. I think his statement is ringing true.

edit - most reports are now stating that the two girls were only 100 yards from the beach. Reading about the large group of sharks seen earlier this year, I notice they reported the sharks coming within 25 ft from shore.

I stopped going out too far into the water after watching Jaws for the first time many years ago.

[Smiling JOe]

From News13 Panama City

Fatal Shark Attack

by: Crystal Cameron
News13 On Your Side
Saturday, June 25, 2005


A 14-year-old girl from Louisiana loses her life after being attacked by a shark while swimming in the Gulf Of Mexico.

According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, two swimmers were about 100-yards off-shore when they observed a dark shadow in the water, one swimmer was bitten by the shark and received bites on the lower portions of her body. The second swimmer, also a 14-year-old girl obsereved the attack and ran to the shore for help, she was uninjured.

The victim was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Soth Walton County where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities believe the shark was travelling along the coast feeding on a large school of fish.

The public safety agencies of Walton County have closed the beaches for atleast the remainder of the day, as they continue to examine the public safety risk.

More updates will be available as we receive more information.

[Smiling JOe]

http://www.foxnews.com/images/159439/0_21_040605_sharks_florida.jpg
Thousands of Sharks Spotted Off Fla. Coast
Wednesday, April 06, 2005

(AP)JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Thousands of sharks were seen circling a few hundred feet from the shore of Juno Beach

[hutch]

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the young girl's family. As SJ said
very unusual for sharks to attack at this time of day. Is this mating time for
sharks?

[phdphay]

Two summers ago on Seagrove Beach I spotted a two-ft. long shark swimming parallel to the shore about three feet from the water's edge. A crowd of people developed, running along side of it on the beach for several hundred yards. It really scared me to see a shark that close to the edge for that long.

I'm with you, Smiling JOe. Jaws forever made me afraid to go too far into the water. One thing I definitely don't do is wear red polish on my toes. I have found that whenever do that, the little fish attack my feet. So if a shark were nearby, I'm afraid it might do the same and take off a toe or more.

[kurt]

Two summers ago on Seagrove Beach I spotted a two-ft. long shark swimming parallel to the shore about three feet from the water's edge. A crowd of people developed, running along side of it on the beach for several hundred yards. It really scared me to see a shark that close to the edge for that long.

I saw the same thing on Okaloosa Island last week. It was just a baby and I found it interesting that it drew so much fascination.

[phdphay]

Why can't CNN understand that Walton County is not the same as Ft. Walton? They made that mistake at least twice in their 1 AM EDT broadcast.

[SHELLY]

>>I am from South Louisiana and just heard about the incident. If my sources are correct, the girl is from here and goes to a local schoo.. Any information would be appreciated.<<

New York Times didn't release a name but said she was from Gonzales, LA.

[chrisv]

SO helicopters flying the beach this morning, spotting sharks, counted 60-70 from East Pass moving east. Wonder if they'll open beaches today?

[RiverOtter]

So sad :( . Once you enter the ocean you are no longer on the top of the food chain. I love the ocean but am never at ease while I swimming :oops: .

[aquaticbiology]

Fox News said it happened at 11:15 AM. Someone told me that this is an unusual time of day for a shark to be so close to the beach and attack. Is that true, marinebiology451 (or anyone who knows about sharks)?

anytime there is easy fishy-looking food within reach is shark feeding time - they don't just feed at twilight times - proof, just check out any of the feeding frenzy stuff on action tv programs, right at midday for the best lighting - sharks have been crusing the beaches for tasty snacks since before we were here - respect them or get bit, don't wear flashy jewelry like lures and bob/flap around like happy bait - our sympathy to her and hers, and to the shark, who will probably die if it swallowed any big bones

[JB]

Sympathy for the shark? You are sick.

[lollygal]

This from usatoday.com:


Surfer recounts fatal shark attack in Fla.
DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — The beaches of northwest Florida opened swimmers Sunday, despite a deadly shark attack that killed a 14-year-old girl on Saturday.

Beachgoers walk along the shore near the Camping on the Gulf Campground in Destin, Fla.
Mari Darr-Welch, AP

A surfer who tried to rescue the girl provided some details on the attack.

Tim Dicus was surfing when he heard the scream. He turned and saw a girl swimming as fast as she could — and another one face down in a bloody circle of water. Dicus, 54, paddled over to the wounded 14-year-old girl, who had been swimming on a boogie board about 100 yards offshore.

"Right next to her was the shark, about to come up and attack her again," Dicus said. He put the girl on his surf board and the shark — which appeared to be a bull shark about 8 feet long — went after her hand.

"He just followed us right to the beach," Dicus said. "He was determined to finish lunch. I hate to put it that way, but that was what he was trying to do."

The girl was bitten on the thigh, and was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, said Walton County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donna Shank.

Her name wasn't immediately released, but officials said the girl was on vacation from Gonzales, La.

Dicus said he punched the shark on the nose as it tried to attack him. Two other swimmers came with a raft, which they put the girl in and towed to shore.

Jeff White, 49, of Atlanta, said his son was in the raft.

"He said at one point, the shark was underneath them," White said. "So they stopped paddling. Somebody distracted the shark and they brought the girl the rest of the way in."

White said his son, Chris White, 23, told his father that "she probably may have already been gone before they got her to shore."

The attack happened near the Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park, about 45 miles east of Pensacola on the Florida Panhandle.

Patrick O'Neill, the campground's general manager, refused to comment.

Authorities closed about 20 miles of beaches to swimming shortly after the attack. It's the height of the summer tourism season along the coast and the beaches were packed with people.

"It was a bad attack," said George Burgess, curator of the International Shark Attack File located at University of Florida. "Certainly it was a reasonably large shark."

Burgess, who was heading to the scene to investigate, said it was the first shark attack of any kind recorded in Walton County.

"It's not a renegade shark looking for humans," Burgess said. "Probably it was a one shot deal and it's not likely to attack again."

Twelve-year-old Robert Goodwin, of St. Louis, Mo., said he was in the gulf during the attack and ordered out of the water. His father, Mark, said the family comes every year and "it was just an eerie feeling to see folks sitting there on the beach" instead of swimming.

Florida had the largest number of documented shark attacks worldwide in 2003 with 30, according to statistics compiled by the American Elasmobranch Society and the Florida Museum of Natural History. There were 12 attacks off the coast of Florida last year.

[Smiling JOe]

Sympathy for the shark? You are sick.
JB, he is not sick, he is a biologist. Perhaps you should open your eyes to a wider view of the universe.
Do have a hatred of yourself for eating animals?

[alic65]

My family and I just got back from Blue Mt. Beach, (beautiful area, by the way, but a little too quiet for us!) We were out on the beach and spotted a dark shadow moving quickly, it moved right down the beach about 50-75 yds. out. We got everyone out of the water. Later, a couple from Atlanta told us they saw a bull shark swim between some swimmers on rafts! :eek: Then, my husband and I were at Pompano Joes in Destin and saw the same thing from the restaurant! jeez! On our way home to Missouri yesterday, about 15 minutes from our home, we happened to hear about the shark attack on the radio!!! I was a little freaked out after seeing what I saw. I wasn't sure if it was a dolphin or shark, but it was big, probably 8-10 feet long. I read some on this forum about what really happened. Sooooo sad, and very scary.

[Smiling JOe]

This from usatoday.com:

DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — The beaches of northwest Florida opened swimmers Sunday, despite a deadly shark attack that killed a 14-year-old girl on Saturday.

Water was closed to swimmers this morning in Grayton Beach. There was a beautiful calm over the water, several people fishing from shore, no one wading in the water, and two kayakers puttsing around enjoying the morning.

[FoX]

Folks are on edge. Last night on the beach a girl about 20 was ankle deep and her mom was yelling at her.

With all due respect and sensitivity, sharks are in our waters all the time and rarely bother people. Most are harmless sand sharks. It's doubtful that the average beach goer would know the difference between a bull and other types of sharks.

Many times people mistake dolphins for sharks, but more often Cobia are mistaken for sharks. Cobia swimming look exactly like a shark to the average person.

Here's a pic of a Cobia:
http://www.chokoloskeecharters.com/images/a%20cobia%20ready%20to%20pose!%20web.jpg

[alic65]

Yes, I'm sure you are right, I wouldn't know what I was looking at, exactly... :idontno: , it could have been anything, it was just a strange coincidence that this shark attack happened after we'd seen these "dark shadows" in the water. How big are Cobia? (I know they are yummy to eat!). And the pic you showed could have surely been mistaken for a shark. It did scare us :eek:

[JB]

JB, he is not sick, he is a biologist. Perhaps you should open your eyes to a wider view of the universe.
Do have a hatred of yourself for eating animals?

C'mon, Joe. That's not a fair analogy. A little girl is dead. Forgive me if I have no sympathy for the amimal that killed her.

In light of what has happened, I found his comment highly inappropriate, if not downright offensive.

[FoX]

Cobia get up to about 6 feet and 150 .lbs but most are smaller. Remember that fish in the water usually look much bigger than they really are.

[alic65]

Wow! That's very possible that's what it was then!

[Smiling JOe]

Many times people mistake dolphins for sharks, but more often Cobia are mistaken for sharks. Cobia swimming look exactly like a shark to the average person.

Here's a pic of a Cobia:
http://www.chokoloskeecharters.com/images/a%20cobia%20ready%20to%20pose!%20web.jpg
I once had the bageezers scared out of me by a cobia. I was belly button deep in water in lala land having a great time fishing. Then, I saw it coming toward me and I freaked out. When I got to shore and caught my breath, I realized it was a Cobia. I over-reacted by a long shot. The fish was maybe 2-3 ft at most.

Another time, while fishing in belly button deep water at Blue Mtn Beach, I had a 6-7 ft Black Tip Shark swim within 10ft in front of me, and I was fairly calm, of course he wasn't coming at me. I did proceed to fish, but I moved onto shore to do so.

Separate story -- Some friends of mine, fishing between Port St Joe and Apalachicola were not catching anything. The water was a brillant blue green color, and looked rather inviting for a swim. One of my friends had just commented that next time, he was bringing his swim suit. Not five minutes later, a 12-15 ft HammerHead Shark swam right beside the boat. I don't think he has ever worn a swimsuit again.

[Smiling JOe]

I think it was last year that I remember seeing a photo in the Destin Log or Walton Sun, of a guy and the Bull Shark which he caught in the Destin Pass. I seem to remember the Shark was about 9 ft in length and weighed around 500lbs. :shock: Nothing like seeing that photo to make me not want to swim.

[Smiling JOe]

C'mon, Joe. That's not a fair analogy. A little girl is dead. Forgive me if I have no sympathy for the amimal that killed her.

In light of what has happened, I found his comment highly inappropriate, if not downright offensive.
Okay, you are fogiven. It really sucks that this girl is dead. Her friends and family will be forever changed. I cannot imagine how her friend who was with her is dealing with this. "Why did the shark get her and not me?" I am almost certain that this question will remain with her for the rest of her life. The guy who hauled her in on his surfboard will not be the same person he was while enjoying surfing Saturday morning.

To me, life seems to be filled with ups and downs. Everytime I become aware that life is good, something seems to come along at that very moment and knock me down. Life is filled with uncertainty. We can live a sheltered life, rarely leaving home, and have our house burn with us in it, which has happened to a relative of a dear friend of mine. Another choice is to live life to the fullest and sieze every day. Yes, there will always be obsticles, outside of our control, to our happiness. We will mourn losses along the way. Then, with the strength from within, along with encouragement of our friends, we will proceed to seeking happiness.

I can certainly understand any anger that anyone would have toward sharks, after having someone attacked nearby. It is okay to have those feelings. They are genuine and probably more true than most feelings. You are not wrong for having these feelings. With that said, our (hope it is okay to call him "our" ) friend, the biologist, in addition to having feelings of sorrow for the young girl, has every right to feel sadness for the loss of an animal in the area which he has dedicated his life to study . Humans are not the only creatures on this planet with lives.

Again, it stinks that someone was killed here Saturday, while on vacation with her family. It stinks every time someone is killed here, vacation or not, shark or automobile -- It stinks. Perhaps we will learn more about this girl, and we may be able to carry on some of her dreams in memory of her.

[JB]

Certainly, it stirs some pretty strong emotions among all of us who love the area and grew up swimming in the Gulf along these same beaches.

I will continue to swim in the Gulf because I find it one of the truly wonderful things in life. It borders on being spiritual. There is nothing like diving straight into a wave and skimming along the bottom until I am out of breath, then taking that first, long pull of salt air. Great stuff. But I will admit I rarely venture more than 75 feet from the break line anymore. Back in the day, I would often swim and snorkel beyond the second sand bar, occasionally venturing out into the dark blue. No more.

Something just seems to stir the sharks up every now and again, thus incresing the number of sightings and raraly, an attack.

[okie by birth]

It is really sad that the 14 yr old was killed by the shark. I have two very young kids of my own. See, I recently moved here from a :( land locked location and have no experience of knowledge of marine life. I am trying to educate myself and my family (through boards like this) on dangers of the ocean. With that said, it is up to us to learn how to protect ourselves from many potential dangers in the water.

From what I learned sharks and other ocean creatures have the potential to harm if not kill us. They are just doing what their instincts propel them to do. A swimmer on a boggie board can appear to the shark as thier faviorite large fish meal. I don't believe it was a personal vendata against the girl and it would be sad to see the shark die as well for many reasons.

From what I understand, and please correct me, if a shark kills a human many people go off the deep end (no pun intended) by killing every shark they can to keep sharks from killing more children. By doing this it upsets the food chain and other predators take thier places causing just as much risk (if not more) to swimmers and other marine life.


Also, is there any NW FL websites that can provide information on closed beaches (red flag stuff) and shark sighting reports?

[FoX]

SWFD has current flag conditions:
http://www.swfd.org

[FoX]

A shark, a 200 lb. Tarpon, and a boatfull of foulmouthed retards:
http://www.snappertrapper.com/video.html

[kurt]

From TDC:

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is reopening the beaches today, Sunday, June 26, 2005, following yesterday's fatal shark attack. It has been determined that the tragic accident was an isolated incident.

Officials are urging swimmers to exercise caution and to stay near the
shore since sharks tend to be in deeper, warmer waters. Attacks are
more likely to occur between sandbars where sharks feed and can become
trapped at low tide. Swimmers should also avoid swimming near schools
of baitfish, which may attract sharks.

A shark attack is a potential danger that must be acknowledged by anyone
that enters the gulf, but it should be kept in perspective. Bees, wasps
and snakes are responsible for far more fatalities each year. In the
United States the annual risk of death from lightning is 30 times
greater than that from shark attack.


Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter:
Advice to Aquatic Recreationists



The relative risk of a shark attack is very small but, risks should always be minimized whenever possible in any activity. The chances of having an interaction with a shark can be reduced if one heeds the following advice:

Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
Do not wander too far from shore --- this isolates an individual and additionally places one far away from assistance.
Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage.
Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating --- a shark's olfactory ability is acute.
Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.
Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks --- both often eat the same food items.
Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing --- sharks see contrast particularly well.
Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements.
Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep dropoffs --- these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while there. And, of course, do not harass a shark if you see one.
*Source: International Shark Attack File, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida

[STL Don]

I remember reading that some 10 to 15 years ago the territorial limits within which sharks could be hunted were changed (hunting sharks had to be much further from shore) and that since that time there had been a huge increase in the amount of shark attacks around Florida. Has anyone else read this?

[JustBeachy]

How sad for the little girl and her family.

We often see Bull Sharks off the water in Blue Mountain Beach..they seem to be attracted by schools of fish that seem to be attracted to whatever attracts them..food chain indeed.

Makes me leery of letting my kids suf this summer..well to be honest I am never thrilled when they surf, even as I did it as a kid, in the Pacific.

Different perspective as a Mom, I suppose.

STL Don, I remember reading something similar to that, about 5 years ago, when there were all those shark sitings/attacks. JB, any input, being you are our resident marine biologist?

[iqueequeg]

I would be curious, during this busy summer week, if there were any highway fatalities in Destin. The press loves to cover these dramatic events, but I would guess that statistically, you're safer in the water than in a car on 98 in Destin.

[Buckhead Rick]

Over the weekend there was a news article about enviormentalists getting Hong Kong Disney to stop serving shark fin soup because it was causing the extensive killing of sharks. Not to sound uninformed, but do sharks do any good, will the Ozone open if all sharks are caught and given to our far east friends to eat?

[Wu]

Over the weekend there was a news article about enviormentalists getting Hong Kong Disney to stop serving shark fin soup because it was causing the extensive killing of sharks. Not to sound uninformed, but do sharks do any good, will the Ozone open if all sharks are caught and given to our far east friends to eat?

He who disregards life of any kind, disregards his own soul. :biggrin:

[JustBeachy]

I would be curious, during this busy summer week, if there were any highway fatalities in Destin. The press loves to cover these dramatic events, but I would guess that statistically, you're safer in the water than in a car on 98 in Destin.

That's a fact!!!

[aquaticbiology]

Sympathy for the shark? You are sick.
No, I am a marine biologist. The shark has a definate place in the ecosystem. Sharks and other fish can't digest big bones. Pelicans die by the hundreds every year because people give them scraps of their deep-water catches. The bones lodge in their intestines and they die a horrible death. :( People should have more kinowledge of and respect for nature.

[chikida]

It's significant to note how far off shore the girls were- 250 yards which is pretty far out and very close to the second sand bar where the bigger "dudes" prefer to hang out. Secondly they may have been in or around a school of bait fish which attracts any and all larger fish in the vicinity. We see those schools traverse the sand bar all the time. Bottom line is that shark attacks in the gulf are extremely rare. We're heading down to our favorite vacation spot next week and, it puts a damper on our excitement, but the news is what it is. The fact of the matter is sharks have always been there. The majority of shark attacks recorded from 1882 have been on the east coast. Lightening strikes are more frequent than shark attacks which is 1:280,000 http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/probability.html) In 1992, about 1 million divers swam in the Florida Keys. Of these, 2 were bitten (neither bite was fatal). What percentage of divers in the Keys were bitten? ANSWER: 2 / 1,000,000 = .000002 attacks per million people= .0002% bitten.* (source: http://www.mathinthemiddle.org/ocean/activity_3.htm) In other words you're about three times more likely to be struck by lightening. In any case, our hearts go out to the family mourning the loss of their daugher- I have two and it hit home. We will however, continue to embrace the emerald waters as a sanctuary to be visited and enjoyed.

[Landlocked]

We returned from Dune Allen Saturday and had a great time. One of our visitors was snorkeling about fifty yards off the beach and I looked up and there was a very large, and very fast fish approaching him. It turned out that he was in close, 10 ft or so, of a couple of kings. The shark, he said it looked like a bull, was feeding on them. It was an awesome site, except for me. He kicked his way in and took a breather for a while and went back out.
No thanks!

[JB]

MB. I believe we were discussing sharks. You bring up pelicans. I fail to see the connection.

I understand about things like food chain and natural order. You're preaching to the choir. Nevertheless, a pelican who dies from ingesting large fish bones, and a shark who dies from eating human bones are two different things entirely. A pelican in distress should be saved. A shark who kills a human should have his skull ripped open by a .44 magnum. Sorry, but that's how I feel.

I wonder if marine biologists are required to take any electives in logic and reasoning.

[chikida]

Any truth to the rumor that the stretch of beach along Seagrove through Grayton was closed again yesterday afternoon after people spotted small packs of bull sharks in as close to 10 feet from the shore from their decks? This supposedly happened around Watercolor. It would be nice to hear from someone local and on the scene- - not that it would prohibit us from changing our plans to hit Grayton next week.
Chikida

[Smiling JOe]

Any truth to the rumor that the stretch of beach along Seagrove through Grayton was closed again yesterday afternoon after people spotted small packs of bull sharks in as close to 10 feet from the shore from their decks? This supposedly happened around Watercolor. It would be nice to hear from someone local and on the scene- - not that it would prohibit us from changing our plans to hit Grayton next week.
Chikida
http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P6260018.JPG
I have not heard such talk. I was on the Beach in Grayton late yesterday afternoon, and while most people were staying in close to shore, sharks were not scaring off these fishermen. They were a good 100 yards from the beach for quite a while.

I am beginning to wonder if T.S. Arlene changed the sand bars significantly enough to move the fish around and therefore bring the sharks in closer. :idontno:
On a separate note, I remember seeing 6-7 Hammerheads around Blue Mtn Beach 2-3 years ago.

[Landlocked]

I think the main thing is if you see large baitfish in the water, get out for a while.

[chikida]

My understanding is when you see baitfish in the water thats where you want to cast your line! Special thanks to smiling Joe for the local update. I'll look for you on the beach next week to touch base. I try to get up around sunrise every morning to keep my shiny side up! Any chance that you know or talk to Edmund? He's at Grayton every morning without fail unless the weather is bad or if he's out of town. I'm an old friend of his.

[Landlocked]

These sharks in the area may be feeding on alll the bluefish in the area. That's all I could catch last week. I caught a boatload of them. Those are some fun fish to catch on light tackle.

[Rita]

[QUOTE=JB] MB. A shark who kills a human should have his skull ripped open by a .44 magnum.

:eek: OK, I'm confused JB! Who's the "SICK" one here? Sorry but I weigh in w/ Marine Biologist.

[chikida]

[QUOTE=JB] MB. A shark who kills a human should have his skull ripped open by a .44 magnum.

:eek: OK, I'm confused JB! Who's the "SICK" one here? Sorry but I weigh in w/ Marine Biologist.
I see emotions influencing reason here. Sharks will do what they've always done for a mellinium. Unfortunately, humans take it personally. MB was merely stating that we should not look on sharks in a negative light because of recent events. They are every bit as majestic in their own right as Bengal tigers are in their element. I think JB is taking exception to this weekend's tragedy and is venting. (aren't we all?) To reference JB's question to MB, it is logical for the shark to have done what it has done. It is reasonable for bathers and surfers to be on a higher alert and concerned and to defend themselves if capable. It is unreasonable to take out a vendetta on all sharks because of their very nature. It is very human to misconstrue reason and logic with emotion- it is both a blessing and a curse where we all lose our objectivity.

[Landlocked]

Just heard fox news is reporting another attack on a teenage boy. Second hand knowledge, but that's what I'm hearing.

[hutch]

A lot of us water ski and swim in the bay. And Yes, there are bull sharks in the bay according to some of the fisherman. I have not seen them but makes sense, bull sharks can live in salt water and freshwater. Just wondering has anyone ever been attached by a bull shark on the bay? :eek:

[Landlocked]

Someone probably ought to tell these people about what's going on down the beach.

InTheWater (http://destincam.com/main.asp?pic=1)

[chikida]

Just heard fox news is reporting another attack on a teenage boy. Second hand knowledge, but that's what I'm hearing.
Nothing posted to Fox Website or CNN as of yet but a couple was killed by a grizzly in Alaska.

[katie blue]

From Walton Sun reporters, online now:

June 27, 2005
By Gwen Break
The South Walton Fire District has confirmed a second shark attack on the Florida panhandle.
A 16-year-old boy has been transported to a Bay County hospital after he was bitten by a shark near Apalachicola at around 11 a.m. CDT.
According to fire officials, the boy was fishing in chest high water not far from shore when he was bitten on the right leg and his femoral attery severed.
A bystander pulled the boy to shore and he was taken by AirHeart 2 to a Bay County hospital. No word as yet as to the boy's condition.
This is the second attack since Saturday when a 14-year-old Louisiana girl was killed, also around 11 a.m. A bull shark attacked the girl as she and a companion were swimming about 100 yards offshore near Camping on the Gulf in South Walton.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office has scheduled a 1 p.m. press conference to discuss Saturday's attack.

[Landlocked]

Katmoo-

Thanks for the info

[Camp Creek Kid]

Bears who attack people are killed. Even bears who become accustomed to finding food where there are people (eating garbage, being fed by people, or raiding campsites) are also killed because they've learned to associate people with food.

Seems to me that if a shark bites someone once, they'll likely do it again. It also seems appropriate, in that instance, to kill the shark.

[chikida]

It just hit the airwaves here in Atlanta. Crap! I've got to remember to bring the "shark-be-gone" repelent. - Please don't misinterpret this anything irreverent.
:bang:

[Landlocked]

I'm wondering if this kid had the shark hooked. If you're fishing in "chest high" water, you don't know what you've hooked. I'm just saying....

[chikida]

I'm not sure I would like a sport where I'm the bait, but that's a good point. It's also possible he could have been reeling another fish in and the shark may have been excited by that as well....

[Landlocked]

That is the exact reason why when I'm surf fishing, I move down the beach if people come around to swim. I'm not going to be responsible for someone getting chewed up.

[dustyrider]

Hello !! all you So. Wal Beach folks, what is the local word on the new attack. Are they going to close the beaches? We are coming down 7-23-7-30 and maybe reconsidering now. It kind of takes the fun out knowing you may not be able to go into the water.
Kurt whats the news you know? I found this board looking for info on this area and I love it!!!Kurt you give such great info for the nonlocals. :welcome: Great web site and pics!! It's great to know these types of boards are available KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND TO ALL WHO HELP SUPPORT THE BOARD!!!! :clap_1: I feel like I already know the place.I guess we'll just wait and see

[mkm19602000]

katmoo,

I have MSNBC on right now. They are broadcasting the presser at the Walton Co. Sheriff's office. MSNBC had reported earlier that the attack was at Cape San Blas.

[RiverOtter]

katmoo,

I have MSNBC on right now. They are broadcasting the presser at the Walton Co. Sheriff's office. MSNBC had reported earlier that the attack was at Cape San Blas.

Just heard that on the news here.

[Landlocked]

Apparently he's not doing too well.

Critical Condition (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,160822,00.html)

[lollygal]

I can't believe there's been another one! That is truly frightening - hope it doesn't start a panic with renters, etc. I thought Saturday's fatal attack was a freak accident. Obviously there is something going on with the sharks. Wish they would move the heck out of the area!

[gotothebeachmom]

I can't believe there's been another one! That is truly frightening - hope it doesn't start a panic with renters, etc. I thought Saturday's fatal attack was a freak accident. Obviously there is something going on with the sharks. Wish they would move the heck out of the area!


This one actually happened in Gulf County. AirHeart2 is based out of Walton County. He was transported to a Bay County Hospital in critical condition. According to the news conference that just ended. Bay and Walton are flying green and purple flags today.

Someone that is actually there may be able to confirm that. But that was from the Walton County Sheriff's ofc. spokesman.

[BeachDreamer]

A shark who kills a human should have his skull ripped open by a .44 magnum. Sorry, but that's how I feel.
I wonder if marine biologists are required to take any electives in logic and reasoning.

I think logic is what is needed HERE, actually. The shark did what sharks do. God made them that way. The shark probably didn't realize that his target was a human until it was too late. It is so tragic and unfortunate that this happened, but I don't see how hatred or anger at the shark, on a personal level, can be logical. If killing this one shark, for the sole purpose of eliminating a danger, were the issue, I could understand the reasoning. But killing a single shark for mistakenly preying on a young girl is not going to help anyone. It's just blind revenge against unchanging nature.

Truth is, there is no one here we can direct our anger or helplessness at, and that's a cheap cop-out anyway. We just have to take what comes, and offer our prayers and condolances to this girl's family and all others involved.

[BeachDreamer]

Wow, just heard about the second attack. This is unbelievable... something is definitely going on with the sharks. Do they know what kind of shark it was?

[gotothebeachmom]

Wow, just heard about the second attack. This is unbelievable... something is definitely going on with the sharks. Do they know what kind of shark it was?

Not yet.

[Beachlover2]

The first attack was reported as a bull shark - uncertain about the second one. One thing is if the reports are true and the second one hit a femoral artery - he will be lucky if he doesn't bleed to death - it only takes seconds for that to happen.

Hopefully the boy will recover.

[Paula]

I am very saddened by the two shark attacks and my heart goes out to the families and I hope the boy pulls through. The recent attack, by the way, is not in Walton or SoWal County (though it's still a bit scary). I will be coming there with two children in a few weeks and again in August, November, January, February, April and as often as I can.

The shark attacks don't at all change my interest (I love it on 30A which is why we own property there and visit as often as we can) and it doesn't change my behavior (we've been here two years and our children haven't gone more than 10 - 20 feet from shore, and we really haven't either). We go to the beach to be near the ocean, wade in the water close to shore, build sandcastles, play soccer on the beach, read, watch sunsets, and spend time together (or quietly alone especially for early morning tea and a good book before everyone else wakes up) in one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. We swim and fool around in the pool. And then we go out to eat, to outdoor movies, outdoor concerts, outdoor plays, shopping, etc. along 30A. So, these shark attacks certainly reinforce my concern about not going far into the ocean -- but they haven't changed my love for the area or my behavior or my family's behavior. We were already extra cautious. So, I'd say come to 30A and enjoy yourself and -- like everyone else has been reminded lately -- remember that the ocean is the natural habitat of a lot of sealife, some of it dangerous to humans. It's certainly humbling for me, but not a deterrant at all. I love the area and so does my family.

[Bob]

This may ruffle some feathers, but I think the beaches from PC to PCB have had a free ride on beach safety. In areas with large concentrations of people, the flag system is inadequate to help knuckleheads, people caught in rip currents, and unsupervised children. I spent most of my summers as a youth on the beach in Daytona Beach. Were you to venture too far out, the lifeguard would stand in his/her chair, point the flag at you, blow the whistle and make sure you came in. Were you to ignore the whistle, you would suffer the embarssment of a forced "resue". No one swam or floated 100-250 yards out, except surfers. I saw dozens saved that were in rip currents, and many kept in check from danger. Clearly, Walton County has not had a shark attack most likely because, heretofore, not many folks have been in the water at any one time, and you can generally see better in the clear Gulf waters. I cannot help but think that had a lifeguard noticed this girl that far out, we would have had no attack here. The counties involved here need to spend money to protect the public. I thought this would happen awhile back when there were multiple rip current drownings.

[RiverOtter]

Off topic, but this is one awesome pic!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Luces/sigpic.jpg

[Bob]

Redfish Lake one December morning....no lifeguards present

[Smiling JOe]

My understanding is when you see baitfish in the water thats where you want to cast your line! Special thanks to smiling Joe for the local update. I'll look for you on the beach next week to touch base. I try to get up around sunrise every morning to keep my shiny side up! Any chance that you know or talk to Edmund? He's at Grayton every morning without fail unless the weather is bad or if he's out of town. I'm an old friend of his.
I'll be around so maybe I will bump into you. I don't know Edmund. Maybe I will meet him one day too.

[Smiling JOe]

It just hit the airwaves here in Atlanta. Crap! I've got to remember to bring the "shark-be-gone" repelent.
I use a brand called "Stay on the Beach."

By the way, Bull Sharks can be found in the Bay and I hear they love the Intercoastal. Bull Sharks are also capable of living in the lakes, like Western Lake, where the water is opened to the Gulf on occasion.

[kurt]

Hello !! all you So. Wal Beach folks, what is the local word on the new attack. Are they going to close the beaches? We are coming down 7-23-7-30 and maybe reconsidering now. It kind of takes the fun out knowing you may not be able to go into the water.
Kurt whats the news you know? I found this board looking for info on this area and I love it!!!Kurt you give such great info for the nonlocals. :welcome: Great web site and pics!! It's great to know these types of boards are available KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND TO ALL WHO HELP SUPPORT THE BOARD!!!! :clap_1: I feel like I already know the place.I guess we'll just wait and see

Thanks! :wub: :oops:

I've been in Pcola Beach all day so I need to catch up. I'm merging all the shark info into one thread.

[Smiling JOe]

I'm wondering if this kid had the shark hooked. If you're fishing in "chest high" water, you don't know what you've hooked. I'm just saying....
Wonder if he was fishing for sharks. The attack was off Cape San Blas. I know many people who fish for sharks in that area. Go to the pier at Mexico Beach around 11:00pm and you will see them realing in Black Tips fairly often.
If you remember back to the boy who was attacked in Pensacola a few years ago, he was fishing for sharks when he was bitten. NUMBER 1 RULE: When fishing for sharks, get out of the water. :idontno:

[Smiling JOe]

Obviously there is something going on with the sharks. Wish they would move the heck out of the area!
A friend of mine who works at a tall building in Destin, says that he sees sharks swimming up the beach all the time.

[Smiling JOe]

The first attack was reported as a bull shark - uncertain about the second one. One thing is if the reports are true and the second one hit a femoral artery - he will be lucky if he doesn't bleed to death - it only takes seconds for that to happen.

Hopefully the boy will recover.
I just donated some blood this morning. I hope this kid makes it.

[flipfloppammy]

A lot of us water ski and swim in the bay. And Yes, there are bull sharks in the bay according to some of the fisherman. I have not seen them but makes sense, bull sharks can live in salt water and freshwater. Just wondering has anyone ever been attached by a bull shark on the bay? :eek:


About 4 years ago my then teenaged daughter and her friend were kayaking in those little plastic kayaks around the edge of the bay. They were attacked by about 20 bull sharks ramming their boats. My daughter thought they were dolphins trying to play with them! They made it into shore and called me from someone's house to come and get them at Piney Point, which is the entrance to Alaqua Bayou in the Choctawhatchee Bay. We called and reported the sharks to the Florida Marine Patrol who confirmed they were indeed bull sharks....they also said they hadn't heard of them being in this part of the area. She was in quite a panic when she learned they were sharks and not dolphins!

[Camp Creek Kid]

I use a brand called "Stay on the Beach."

By the way, Bull Sharks can be found in the Bay and I hear they love the Intercoastal. Bull Sharks are also capable of living in the lakes, like Western Lake, where the water is opened to the Gulf on occasion.


Smiling JOe, I'm surprised that you're afraid to venture out into the gulf. Didn't think you were the type to be afraid of sharks, or to admit that you were--thats alright because I'm right there with you.

[Donna]

Just read the news report about the boy at Cape San Blas who was attacked by another shark today. He is critical but stabilized. Last week, we noticed in the excellent aerial photos posted on this Web site that the sand bars and deep water trough in between are much closer to shore along South Walton and Okaloosa County beaches since Ivan and moreso since Tropical Storm Arlene. In fact, we were discussing how surprising it was that Arlene resulted in so much sand movement. Swimming in that deep blue strip is like standing in the middle of the freeway, always has been so. Too bad there's not more education about sharps and other creatures of the deep, such as our jellyfish and Portugese Man o'Wars. Also, those cute little silver ankle bracelets the girls wear with their swimsuits need to be confined to the swimming pool.

[Smiling JOe]

Smiling JOe, I'm surprised that you're afraid to venture out into the gulf. Didn't think you were the type to be afraid of sharks, or to admit that you were--thats alright because I'm right there with you.
Excuse me, haven't you heard about the movie JAWS!? It hasn't stopped me from fishing, but I don't care to be bitten by something with 3 rows of teeth.
(I did not think I was alone.)

... and by the way, sometimes I am scared that I will get wet from rain drops.

[Camp Creek Kid]

I absolutely refuse to see JAWS.

On another note, this is a very sad situation about the two kids. My children are still quite small and we're more concerned about them drowning in the gulf than getting too far out and entagling with marine life. We've had our share of jellyfish stings though.

We decided to tell our kids what happened. We don't want them to be afraid of the gulf, but they do need to respect it and be aware of the dangers.

[Smiling JOe]

On another note, this is a very sad situation about the two kids. My children are still quite small and we're more concerned about them drowning in the gulf than getting too far out and entagling with marine life. We've had our share of jellyfish stings though.

We decided to tell our kids what happened. We don't want them to be afraid of the gulf, but they do need to respect it and be aware of the dangers.

Good for you. I think you have your priorities in line. Far more people have drowned around here than have been bitten by sharks, alligators and snakes combined.

[lollygal]

Excuse me, haven't you heard about the movie JAWS!? It hasn't stopped me from fishing, but I don't care to be bitten by something with 3 rows of teeth.
(I did not think I was alone.)

... and by the way, sometimes I am scared that I will get wet from rain drops.

SJ, I'm with you -- I don't swim in it, but I admire it. I love to get my toes wet, and then enjoy a day of ocean breeze under the umbrella, something cool to drink and a good book -- I guess that's lazy days.

[Smiling JOe]

SJ, I'm with you -- I don't swim in it, but I admire it. I love to get my toes wet, and then enjoy a day of ocean breeze under the umbrella, something cool to drink and a good book -- I guess that's lazy days.
Now, with that said, I have not totally abandoned the water after watching JAWS! -- You may see me out there scooting around that second sand bar on occassion paddling my kayak, but I may wait a few days and even then, you wont see my behind out there at 11:00am!
Seeing jaws has not stopped me from canoeing around the Intercoastal and Black Creek either. I ain't scared of no gators, especially on the football field.

[kurt]

Now, with that said, I have not totally abandoned the water after watching JAWS! -- You may see me out there scooting around that second sand bar on occassion paddling my kayak, but I may wait a few days and even then, you wont see my behind out there at 11:00am!
Seeing jaws has not stopped me from canoeing around the Intercoastal and Black Creek either. I ain't scared of no gators, especially on the football field.

Because you can handle a gator 2 out of 15 times. :floor:

[Carter]

We live in CA but visit whenever we can; we rented Dune Allen last week 18th-25th directly across from 'downtown' dune allen 30-a (sounds like we were neighbors for a wekk LandLocked - we were in "INN-Spire-D" - a Rivard rental, great property by the way). On Thurs 23rd, my wife was only 25' out in the gulf (4' deep) when a crowd came running down the beach yelling 'get out of water - shark!!' She did and shortly after she watched as a "5'-6' shark silently glided right through the very spot I had just been standing minutes before".

In seven years of annual trips to SoWal area we have never seen this. I have read this whole thread hoping to get a sense for how 'normal' or abnormnal this is. I think I am getting sense there is a bit more than normal activity now? As soon as we heard the heartbreaking news on Sat, we immediately thought 'I wonder if that was the same shark we saw so close to shore?'.

Then on Fri, i jogged down beach and recreational surfcaster (who nealry hooked this jogger with a cast) in blue mntn said he had just seen a shark about 100' out.

We intuitivly know there are always sharks out there, but we have always stayed 'inside the bar' and we have not seen them and I dcan't remember much mention of others seeing them.

Then my neighbor sends me this picture of a sark just off shore on Mirimar bch on Sunday

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050625154309990001&ncid=NWS00010000000001

I guess my question to the locals is; Outside of the clearly abnormal attack on the girl, is this apparent multitude if sightings/incidents all of us being hyper-aware because of the tragic incident and the activity is more or less 'normal'? Or not?. Thanks for any input.

(Kurt, on a side note, I went to CNN.com as soon as I was in front of a compuetr after hearing the news and only got about two sentences on the topic with "No further details available" at the bottom. Then I realized I was not thinking and logged onto graytonbeach.com. Next time I'll skip the cnn step!)

[SoWalSally]

http://rl.channel.aol.com/natgeo?id=20050614120909990001

National Geographic:

(June 13, 2005) -- The United States averages just 16 shark attacks each year and slightly less than one shark-attack fatality every two years. Meanwhile, in the coastal U.S. states alone, lightning strikes and kills more than 41 people each year.

Which just goes to show that sharks enjoy a reputation that is arguably more fearsome than their bite.

Each year there are about 50 to 70 confirmed shark attacks and 5 to 15 shark-attack fatalities around the world. The numbers have risen over the past several decades but not because sharks are more aggressive: Humans have simply taken to coastal waters in increasing numbers.

Over 375 shark species have been identified, but only about a dozen are considered particularly dangerous. Three species are responsible for most human attacks: great white (Carcharodon carcharias), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), and bull (Carcharhinus leucas) sharks.


While sharks kill fewer than 20 people a year, their own numbers suffer greatly at human hands. Between 20 and 100 million sharks die each year due to fishing activity, according to data from the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File. The organization estimates that some shark populations have plummeted 30 to 50 percent.

[Smiling JOe]

Because you can handle a gator 2 out of 15 times. :floor:
That has not stopped me from coming back. As I said, I ain't scared, win or lose.

[kurt]

That has not stopped me from coming back. As I said, I ain't scared, win or lose.

Tell the truth now. Don't you wish you had a different mascot? :lol:

http://www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/images/fun/wallpaper/640x480/Uga.jpg

[kurt]

I guess my question to the locals is; Outside of the clearly abnormal attack on the girl, is this apparent multitude if sightings/incidents all of us being hyper-aware because of the tragic incident and the activity is more or less 'normal'? Or not?. Thanks for any input.

(Kurt, on a side note, I went to CNN.com as soon as I was in front of a compuetr after hearing the news and only got about two sentences on the topic with "No further details available" at the bottom. Then I realized I was not thinking and logged onto graytonbeach.com. Next time I'll skip the cnn step!) :cool:


I'm pasting this post from Fox earlier in the thread:


.... sharks are in our waters all the time and rarely bother people. Most are harmless sand sharks. It's doubtful that the average beach goer would know the difference between a bull and other types of sharks.

Many times people mistake dolphins for sharks, but more often Cobia are mistaken for sharks. Cobia swimming look exactly like a shark to the average person.

Here's a pic of a Cobia:
http://www.chokoloskeecharters.com/images/a%20cobia%20ready%20to%20pose!%20web.jpg


Cobia swim near the shore a good bit.

[alic65]

I just read the post from Carter.....Thursday was the day we saw a dark shadow swimming down the beach about 75' out in Blue Mountain Beach where we stayed. Everyone got out of the water as well. :eek:

[Smiling JOe]

Tell the truth now. Don't you wish you had a different mascot? :lol:

http://www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/images/fun/wallpaper/640x480/Uga.jpg
No, I cannot hug or play with a tiger/eagle, elephant, gator, gamecock,etc.

On another note, if we played a team called the Florida Sharks, I would be a little scared, but I would never approve of us playing them in the Swamp or Gulf, only between the Hedges.

[kurt]

It's not a league of loveable mascots. Unless you count the Mickey Mouse versions, or the Commodore. :lol:

[chikida]

I'll be around so maybe I will bump into you. I don't know Edmund. Maybe I will meet him one day too.

We're renting the Walker house the week of the 4th. Ed is usually in his black SUV at sunrise. He and his wife live right on the lake. They've been pretty active with conservation efforts and doing what they can to limit construction for 20 years. We've seen so many changes over the years.

Back on topic it sounds like the boy will pull through less one leg unfortunately, but considering the alternative he made out okay. I still wonder if it was a shark he had on the line or a different one. :idontno:

[chrisv]

Joe, you're a Dawg?! I never knew, thought I was the lone k9 down this way. Woof woof woof!

[Smiling JOe]

Joe, you're a Dawg?! I never knew, thought I was the lone k9 down this way. Woof woof woof!
You are not alone, and I know plenty of other Dawgs, many who still live in Athens, with vacation houses in the area. I bump into Athenians all the time. Last year, I went to a street party in Blue Mtn, and saw 5 people I know from Athens. Turns out that they each own a house on that street, all by coincidence. None of them knew each other. Small world. I always said that sometimes you have to travel half way around the world to meet your neighbor.

[JB]

:eek: OK, I'm confused JB! Who's the "SICK" one here? Sorry but I weigh in w/ Marine Biologist.

Let's see, if memory serves me, the shark who attacked the kid at Pensacola Beach a few summers ago was somehow pulled to shore and shot. Is it your opinion that the shark should have just been given a friendly pat on the fin and sent on his way? Please.

I think if an attack hit a little closer to home, you would lose that "tree hugger" mentality pretty quick. Sharks have a place in our aquatic ecosystem. I acknowledge that. However, a shark that attacks a human should be destroyed.

[Smiling JOe]

Let's see, if memory serves me, the shark who attacked the kid at Pensacola Beach a few summers ago was somehow pulled to shore and shot. Is it your opinion that the shark should have just been given a friendly pat on the fin and sent on his way? Please.

I think if an attack hit a little closer to home, you would lose that "tree hugger" mentality pretty quick. Sharks have a place in our aquatic ecosystem. I acknowledge that. However, a shark that attacks a human should be destroyed.
Simmer down JB, take a walk on the beach.
When you enter the open water, you enter the world of other creatures. No different than going into the great Alaskan wilderness, you are out of your element and are at risk, just as a grizzly bear is out of his element if he wonders into downtown Denver. That bear has a much higher risk of death.

Again, being human, we tend to have a huge ego, myself inluded, and even though our life is important to us, sometimes we forget that we are rather meaningless in terms of the whole picture of the universe. We are not God's only creation.

[kurt]

Joe, you're a Dawg?! I never knew, thought I was the lone k9 down this way. Woof woof woof!

Ugh.:roll: That dog licking the boy is a classic, even though I'd rather be licked by a gator. How does it feel to be licked by a gator? :idontno: :lol:

http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=50

[hutch]

Chrisv, SJ

Yes, there are a few of us from Athens here. In fact I am a native Athenian.
GO DAWGS. Kenny Rogers is NOT.

[Smiling JOe]

Ugh.:roll: That dog licking the boy is a classic, even though I'd rather be licked by a gator. How does it feel to be licked by a gator? :idontno: :lol:

http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=50
That is one ugly dog and one long tongue. :) I think I am on the wrong board.

[aquaticbiology]

roommate suggested it was weather related

trend data sez water temp -2dC from normal

a bit cooler but not that weird

seawifs calls gulf circulation interesting but not strange

could be tied to slowing of gulf stream/ost

or could just be one of those years

we were in ps joe yesterday just a few miles from cape san blas

saw sharks doing their thing balling baitfish then running them up on beach to trap them and feeding

on today show they said the shark seem 'posessed' theres a new angle - i get it its the apocalypse

today well be in west bay off dyers hope we dont get shot by happy guns port control

this new tracfone web browser rocks

[kurt]

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.- June 27, 2005-Following the fatal shark attack last
Saturday, the Walton County Sheriff's Office has increased it's efforts
to ensure safety along the coast. Sheriff Johnson has increased air
patrols, gulf patrols along the sandbar as well as added deputies for
shore patrol. These units will monitor the coast with four-wheel drive
vehicles and ATVs that are specially designed for beach duty.

The Sheriff's Department will be on aggressive patrol and will alert
swimmers to stay out of the water if a shark is sighted close to shore.
Swimmers are encouraged to exercise caution. The attached tip sheet
provides suggestions for reducing the risk of a shark encounter.
Lodging operators are encouraged to make copies for their guests.

While sharks are common in our waters, this is the first time in 100
years that there has been a reported shark attack in Walton County.

Today, a shark attack was also confirmed in Gulf County off Cape San
Blast. Shark expert, Dr. Erich Ritter confirmed this to be an unrelated
incident and does not foresee this to continue as a trend for shark
attacks in our area.

[chikida]

roommate suggested it was weather related

trend data sez water temp -2dC from normal

a bit cooler but not that weird

seawifs calls gulf circulation interesting but not strange

could be tied to slowing of gulf stream/ost

or could just be one of those years

we were in ps joe yesterday just a few miles from cape san blas

saw sharks doing their thing balling baitfish then running them up on beach to trap them and feeding

on today show they said the shark seem 'posessed' theres a new angle - i get it its the apocalypse

today well be in west bay off dyers hope we dont get shot by happy guns port control

this new tracfone web browser rocks

I love to hear other angles and from the scientific side. Thanks for your contributions and objectivity. :clap_1: Does anyone map the sand bars or do they shift too often? This may sound a little nuts but I wondered if sandbars could be defined as 'pawn shops of the deep' where the less desirables are seen hanging out in the alleys or on the deeper side. My thinking was that if the sandbars shifted significantly inland that would reduce the bathing buffer of swimmers and surfers and so we would see an increase in the probability of recent encounters- it's just a theory but thought I'd ask.

[kurt]

My thinking was that if the sandbars shifted significantly inland that would reduce the bathing buffer of swimmers and surfers and so we would see an increase in the probability of recent encounters- it's just a theory but thought I'd ask.

The attack ocurred pretty far out. I'm not so sure anything is different and maybe it was just an unfortunate encounter. People all around and in the media are trying to detemine some reason for it. maybe there is one - I don't know.

If there are more sharks close to shore than normal it could be any one of a dozen factors such as water temps, currents, oxygen levels, baitfish patterns, etc . . . .

There are 2 factors I can think of that have changed since last summer. 2 major storms that have changed the topography of the beaches, sand bars, and probably depths offshore. These storms also may have changed a whole host of other things not readily apparent such as water temps, currents, marine populations and patterns, etc.

The other factor that is easy to observe is the lack of June Grass which is usually thick in the water starting in May or June and lasting a few months. We got a lot of sargassum weed this year but no June grass. That shows you that the water is not the way it usually is. I don't know if there's a connection, but I'll bet sharks don't like swimming in the thick green stuff anymore than we do. The lack of June grass also shows that some other things connected to its absence probably have changed.

Also, When there's a lot of June grass in the water people may be less likely to see sharks near the beach if they are there because they are obscured.

A 3rd factor that may be important is the banning of large gill nets for commercial fishing in 1994. These nets scooped up everything in their path, including many species of fish and animals in the food chain that weren't wanted for sale but were killed nonetheless. Since the net ban we have seen many more fish in the gulf and many species were depleted for a long time before that. No doubt those nets also inadvertently killed sharks and their food.

Only time will tell. In a way I find it amazing we haven't had a shark-related fatality in SoWal in 100 years.

[lenzoe]

The counties involved here need to spend money to protect the public. I thought this would happen awhile back when there were multiple rip current drownings.
I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter. I can think of little more intrusive to my enjoyment of the beach than a lifeguard blowing whistles like it's the local public pool.

Swimming in the gulf is not without risk. The county is doing a good job educating people about that, but I do NOT want them playing big brother any more than they already do.

[Oldtimer]

I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter. I can think of little more intrusive to my enjoyment of the beach than a lifeguard blowing whistles like it's the local public pool.

Swimming in the gulf is not without risk. The county is doing a good job educating people about that, but I do NOT want them playing big brother any more than they already do.

I totally agree with you, "lenzoe"! Keep the government out of our leisure hours. At some point each individual has to be responsible for his own actions. The flags are intrusive enough.

[STL Don]

One form of government intrusion that might be OK would be for them to make it easier for commercial fisherman to hunt sharks--this presumes that some years back Florida made it more difficult which resulted in a higher number of shark attacks (based on something that I read some time back)

[Cil]

Australia has used shark nets for years and years off the Gold Coast (Queensland).
There has been talk of removing them, because they snare more than sharks.
But AFAIK they are still there.

All of life has an element of risk and we do share the ocean as well as dry land with critters other than our selves. Having said that, I well understand that dreadful fear of being eaten alive, and I feel very sorry for the shark victims and their families.

[Smiling JOe]

The other factor that is easy to observe is the lack of June Grass which is usually thick in the water starting in May or June and lasting a few months. We got a lot of sargassum weed this year but no June grass.

I have enjoyed the clean water so much that I completely forgot that the June Grass never rolled in this year.

[Bob]

I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter. I can think of little more intrusive to my enjoyment of the beach than a lifeguard blowing whistles like it's the local public pool.

Swimming in the gulf is not without risk. The county is doing a good job educating people about that, but I do NOT want them playing big brother any more than they already do. Then if not goverment, where were the supervising adults? Notice I said in areas of high concentrations of people. When people are massed together in close proximity, it's already a public pool. More people, more problems. Lifeguards along those streches of condo canyons will save lives. An alert lifeguard sitting 8-10 feet up in a chair can spot large things in the water you would not see. I think it's perfectly sane too tell someone swimming at 200 yards to come in. It's just like the intersection needing a traffic light. After a certain number of deaths, folks will not tolerate the outcome.

[Bob]

I totally agree with you, "lenzoe"! Keep the government out of our leisure hours. At some point each individual has to be responsible for his own actions. The flags are intrusive enough.Flags, instrusive? Don't make me tell the Tsunami joke on you.

[Smiling JOe]

Then if not goverment, where were the supervising adults? Notice I said in areas of high concentrations of people. When people are massed together in close proximity, it's already a public pool. More people, more problems. Lifeguards along those streches of condo canyons will save lives. An alert lifeguard sitting 8-10 feet up in a chair can spot large things in the water you would not see. I think it's perfectly sane too tell someone swimming at 200 yards to come in. It's just like the intersection needing a traffic light. After a certain number of deaths, folks will not tolerate the outcome.
I think you will soon, 1-3 yrs, be seeing lifeguards on the Beaches in Walton County. Due to the rip currents that take away so many people, there has been talk about it for some time now at the County level. I am uncertain where the County stands with it. Seems like the TDC was pushing for lifeguards at one time last year. Whale, do you have any thoughts or inside scoop from the TDC??

On a personal note, there are many situations where I would not want a lifeguard blowing a whistle at me, but if I was out in the water with shark approaching me, the lifeguard could toot that whistle and I would be sooo happy. :D

[flipfloppammy]

Here is an online Guest Book we can sign and view for Jamie Daigle. There is also a scholarship fund which has been established in her memory for those wishing to contribute.

Please visit the Life Story for Jamie Marie Daigle. (Obituary from The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA)

http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=LS14399804X

Click on the above link or cut and paste the url into your browser's address bar.

[southof30A]

First of all, could a lifeguard sitting on the beach have seen the shark at 100-250 yards out that started this thread? Could he/she have done anything?

Secondly, my baby (now 14) was raised in this Gulf. We have always respected the Gulf for its many "gifts" (Opal, sharks, jellyfish, Ivan etc.) and we taught her accordingly.

I agree completely with lenzoe who says "I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter..."

We have got to watch out for ourselves, our loved ones and understand the risks that we undertake in delving into the undersea world. Paraphrasing another poster who pointed out very well, "once we enter the ocean, we take a dramatic step down the food chain".

I'll take the personal responsibility for my family in lieu of a lifeguard. Question is, who educates (and protects) the tourists?

[Smiling JOe]

First of all, could a lifeguard sitting on the beach have seen the shark at 100-250 yards out that started this thread? Could he/she have done anything?

Secondly, my baby (now 14) was raised in this Gulf. We have always respected the Gulf for its many "gifts" (Opal, sharks, jellyfish, Ivan etc.) and we taught her accordingly.

I agree completely with lenzoe who says "I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter..."

We have got to watch out for ourselves, our loved ones and understand the risks that we undertake in delving into the undersea world. Paraphrasing another poster who pointed out very well, "once we enter the ocean, we take a dramatic step down the food chain".

I'll take the personal responsibility for my family in lieu of a lifeguard. Question is, who educates (and protects) the tourists?


I here you loud and clear regarding gov't. I just want to clarify my earlier post. In the County's past discussions of lifeguards, sharks have not been the reason for wanting them -- Rip Currents are the reason. I wish I had the answer as to how to educate the public to the degree that they would not go swimming when the red flags are flying, but I think some people just don't care -- maybe they want to live on the edge. Those are the very people who put others at risk who try to save them.

[Bob]

First of all, could a lifeguard sitting on the beach have seen the shark at 100-250 yards out that started this thread? Could he/she have done anything?

Secondly, my baby (now 14) was raised in this Gulf. We have always respected the Gulf for its many "gifts" (Opal, sharks, jellyfish, Ivan etc.) and we taught her accordingly.

I agree completely with lenzoe who says "I completely disagree. Government is not our baby sitter..."

We have got to watch out for ourselves, our loved ones and understand the risks that we undertake in delving into the undersea world. Paraphrasing another poster who pointed out very well, "once we enter the ocean, we take a dramatic step down the food chain".

I'll take the personal responsibility for my family in lieu of a lifeguard. Question is, who educates (and protects) the tourists?A lifeguard wouldn't let someone swim so far out. If that kid had someone looking out for her, she would be alive today. Secondly lifeguards, generally sit in wooden chairs that are 8-10 above the ground to give them line of sight. It's all the difference in the world to spot someone in trouble, or something in the water. This is not a "get government off my back" issue. It's a common sense safety measure that communities take when large groups of people swim in close proximity.

[beachmouse]

Large, heavily-used public beach or private beach area? Taxpayer-funded lifeguards at the big well-used public beaches can make sense. But when you're talking a private beach area like Sandestin, then I see it becoming the company/neighborhood association's responsibility for level of safety service.

[lenzoe]

Then if not goverment, where were the supervising adults? Notice I said in areas of high concentrations of people. When people are massed together in close proximity, it's already a public pool. More people, more problems. Lifeguards along those streches of condo canyons will save lives. An alert lifeguard sitting 8-10 feet up in a chair can spot large things in the water you would not see. I think it's perfectly sane too tell someone swimming at 200 yards to come in. It's just like the intersection needing a traffic light. After a certain number of deaths, folks will not tolerate the outcome.

There's a difference between expecting the county to put a stoplight at an intersection -- to stop motorists from killing each other -- and asking the same entity to protect us from nature and the elements.

I'm sure lifeguards would save lives. So would increased regulation on motorcycling, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, and any other activity you can think of. That doesn't mean we as a society should agitate for or expect some organization to protect us during recreation.

I appreciate government in an educational role. I disagree with government in a protect us from ourselves role.

And no matter how many people are in it, the Gulf is not a pool. Lifeguards CAN kick you out for peeing in a pool.

[chikida]

I have enjoyed the clean water so much that I completely forgot that the June Grass never rolled in this year.
I'm actually glad to hear the June grass did not show up this year for purely selfish reasons. Then again, every year we've come to visit it's been something different. We'll never forget the last red tide anytime soon, that was quite a spectacle and an educational experience I don't think I need to see again. So how has the mood at the beach been? Are people venturing out in the water? My guess is that the atmosphere is a little tense and I'm sure everyone is keeping a closer eye on the water. I'm just curious as to how far people are going out.

Have been keeping an eye on TS Bret but it doesn't look like it'll be a factor in the coming days. Has anyone noticed the tide picking up at all?

[chikida]

There's a difference between expecting the county to put a stoplight at an intersection -- to stop motorists from killing each other -- and asking the same entity to protect us from nature and the elements.

I'm sure lifeguards would save lives. So would increased regulation on motorcycling, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, and any other activity you can think of. That doesn't mean we as a society should agitate for or expect some organization to protect us during recreation.

I appreciate government in an educational role. I disagree with government in a protect us from ourselves role.

And no matter how many people are in it, the Gulf is not a pool. Lifeguards CAN kick you out for peeing in a pool.
:clap_1: I agree with Lenzoe! Best use of tax dollars should be spent on keeping beaches clean and free of black flies and prohibiting stupid tourist stunts like driving on the beach without a permit!

[chrisv]

So how has the mood at the beach been? Are people venturing out in the water? My guess is that the atmosphere is a little tense and I'm sure everyone is keeping a closer eye on the water.

Traffic has been intense, don't know if that means folks are finding other things to do...

[Smiling JOe]

Traffic has been intense, don't know if that means folks are finding other things to do...
Overcast days, which we are having, send everyone shopping at the Discount Stores in Sandestin. If you are looking for Christmas-size crowds, go shopping today.

[Landlocked]

It took me four and a half hours to get home from Dune Allen Saturday. Normally a 3 hour drive. The main holdup was at the left you take in Freeport. And then there was a parade going on in Florala. All with a 1 year old in the back seat. Not a fun ride.

[chikida]

I'll take the personal responsibility for my family in lieu of a lifeguard. Question is, who educates (and protects) the tourists?
I feel the responsibility is a greater one as a tourist than with the locals. If anything, as a tourist, I feel obliged to step up my awareness whether that means keeping extra vigil when the cut opens up to the gulf or picking up trash at the beach to looking for swimmers in distress. Don't get me wrong, lifeguards add a level of security but I would question the overall value and impact they would have. If nothing else their presence may lead one to believe that nothing will happen and cuase us to be less alert. <p> I have watched my girls grow up at first hating the beach on their first visit because of its sheer vastness when they were little. Then they learned to love it and I've had to keep a close eye on them ever since. The daily tranquility can be enough to lull the most paranoid into a false sense of security. You guys know the many ways of the sea and her moods and you are ultimately wiser. For me it's an ongoing education where I walk away with sand between my toes and new information each time I come down.

[Mr. Limpet]

Fear not SoWal. I have arrived.

[Bob]

There's a difference between expecting the county to put a stoplight at an intersection -- to stop motorists from killing each other -- and asking the same entity to protect us from nature and the elements.

I'm sure lifeguards would save lives. So would increased regulation on motorcycling, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, and any other activity you can think of. That doesn't mean we as a society should agitate for or expect some organization to protect us during recreation.

I appreciate government in an educational role. I disagree with government in a protect us from ourselves role.

And no matter how many people are in it, the Gulf is not a pool. Lifeguards CAN kick you out for peeing in a pool. That last comment sounds like Jeff Goldblum in The Big Chill, " that's what I like about the outdoors, it's like one big toilet".

[Smiling JOe]

An hour ago, I spoke with a gentleman who told me he was in Seagrove this morning and witnessed a 6'-7' shark swimming in fairly close the beach. Unsupervised young kids were in the water having a great time, and didn't seem to notice. His question is, "Where are the parents?"

[cassie]

Sounds like regardless of what brought them in they may be hanging out a while. I'm guessing the best advice right now is to pretty much just stay out of the water or only go out a couple feet?

I was down when the girl got attacked and we're coming down again this weekend and again the following week for about 9 days with kids ... I guess we'll be keeping 'em shallow in the ocean or shallow on the inlet. They like to body board and skim board but I'm thinking they may just have to stick with skimming. Am I sounding paranoid?

[cassie]

Sorry ... also, does anyone have any pointers on telling the difference between a king cobia in the water and a shark in the water? I was fishing with some friends about a month ago and a cobia went by us, they all freaked thinking they're going to catch this awesome fish, of course no one did but it was fun none the less. I can't tell the difference. Land locked girl with little experience in this area ; )

[kurt]

Sorry ... also, does anyone have any pointers on telling the difference between a king cobia in the water and a shark in the water? I was fishing with some friends about a month ago and a cobia went by us, they all freaked thinking they're going to catch this awesome fish, of course no one did but it was fun none the less. I can't tell the difference. Land locked girl with little experience in this area ; )

Even though they are quite different up close, they look similar swimming under a few feet of water. I think it just takes seeing a few and learning the way they look underwater and how they move. Even then it can be hard to tell.

[southof30A]

An hour ago, I spoke with a gentleman who told me he was in Seagrove this morning and witnessed a 6'-7' shark swimming in fairly close the beach. Unsupervised young kids were in the water having a great time, and didn't seem to notice. His question is, "Where are the parents?"


We cannot count on S. Walton tourists to even understand the potential dangers to their kids - that is where I would agree to some sort of government intervention. The tourists do not understand the potential dangers of sharks, rip currents, or even hurricanes. Somehow/some way they need to get educated and start to accept some responsibility.

[FoX]

We cannot count on S. Walton tourists to even understand the potential dangers to their kids - that is where I would agree to some sort of government intervention. The tourists do not understand the potential dangers of sharks, rip currents, or even hurricanes. Somehow/some way they need to get educated and start to accept some responsibility.

Let's all say it together "SoWal".

Just trying to help out our host. I think he'd like it to catch on. ;-) :D

[Smiling JOe]

Let's all say it together "SoWal".

Just trying to help out our host. I think he'd like it to catch on. ;-) :D
It looks like Kurt has SoWal trademarked, so be careful where you use it. You may have to pay him some royalties. Maybe South Walton will become known as SoWal on the map, and Kurt could get a handsome some for the great idea of the name. I like it.

[Carter]

People pee in pools?!

[Smiling JOe]

People pee in pools?!
Absolutely. Poeple pee everywhere, the beach and the Gulf included. :eek:

[Carter]

People pee in pools?!

(Tounge was firmly planted in cheek for the record) ;-)

[Landlocked]

Shark attack #3.

msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8434265/)

[BeachDreamer]

Shark attack #3.

msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8434265/)

This is becoming rather alarming.

[RiverOtter]

Maybe the sharks saw all the heat coming in the Pan Handle and moved to Ft Myers.

[kurt]

This is becoming rather alarming.

This was hundreds of miles from SoWal, and there have been fewer incidents in FLA this year than last year. Don't let the media carry you away.

[Smiling JOe]

This was hundreds of miles from SoWal, and there have been fewer incidents in FLA this year than last year. Don't let the media carry you away.
I was just thinking the same thing. Does anyone know how many people were killed in FL by other people over the last week? (This would include people driving automobiles into other people.)I would guess more people killed people than sharks killed people.

I also bet that fireworks will kill more people on July 4, 2005 than the number of sharks attacking(kill or not kill) people for the entire year.

How about Day Cares leaving children to die in hot vans? Now there is something to focus on.

Chill out and put things into perspective. Use a bit of common sense and don't get your hands blown off or your eyes poked out on July 4.

[RiverOtter]

I think this attracts so much attention because being "eaten" :eek: is a primal fear.

[Smiling JOe]

I think this attracts so much attention because being "eaten" :eek: is a primal fear.
interesting -- I think you found the link and are dead-on with your theory.

[Carter]

Number of fatalities n FL 1990 through 2003:

Shark Attacks 12

Lightning 123

Drownings 4,698

[Donna]

Why do the sharks hate us so much? Is it because of our freedoms??? :laughing1

[Carter]

Why do the sharks hate us so much? Is it because of our freedoms??? :laughing1

More importantly, why does lightning hate us so much?

[BeachDreamer]

More importantly, why does lightning hate us so much?

On that note, why does water hate us so much?

(Kurt, why don't we have a smiley with a life preserver? I am in need of a Safety Smiley. :blink: )

[kurt]

http://courses.dce.harvard.edu/~environment/ocean/life_preserver.jpg

[BeachDreamer]

http://courses.dce.harvard.edu/~environment/ocean/life_preserver.jpg

Haha... that'll do!

[Cil]

interesting -- I think you found the link and are dead-on with your theory.

Ahem
Please check out post #124.

[RiverOtter]

Ahem
Please check out post #124.

:oops: Oops... Sorry

River<---hasn't been following the whole thread--->Otter

[greytlittledo]

:shock: We will be arriving at Seacrest Beach on Sunday July 10 and will be bring snacks (5 dogs)!

Feed them well between now and then :biggrin:

[Paula]

I've seen an article that there have been more deaths by vending machines (tipping over) than by sharks in the US. There are warnings on vending machines that they they can tip over and kill people (take a look). That said, my kids still aren't going more than 10 feet into the water this year with parents watching them carefully. They'll swim in the pool (as I've said earlier, we had the same routine before the shark attack so there has been no change in our behavior between last summer and this summer). We fully expect to enjoy our vacations the same way -- even more -- each year.