Massive Great White Shark Breaks Records While Summering Near Your Favorite Beaches!

Scientists recently tested a new wetsuit material designed to resist shark bites. They found that this special fabric can reduce injuries from large sharks like great whites and tiger sharks, which can be up to 9 feet long. But new findings have raised concerns about shark behavior.

Earlier this year, a non-profit called OCEARCH tagged a giant great white shark named Contender. He measures 13.8 feet (4.6 meters) long and weighs about 1,653 pounds (750 kilograms). Thanks to tracking technology, both scientists and the public can monitor his movements. Disturbingly, Contender has been spotted near popular beaches along the East Coast this summer.

Is he “extra large”? OCEARCH calls him the biggest male great white shark recorded in the Northwest Atlantic. When they caught Contender, researchers took samples to study his health, diet, and more. They also attached satellite tags that track his GPS location when he surfaces, which sometimes makes it tricky to know where he is at all times.

After spending time along Florida’s coast, Contender moved north, visiting spots like Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. By mid-July, he was off the coast of Cape Cod, which makes you wonder if he’s searching for inspiration for a new Jaws film.

Though Contender is impressive, he’s still not as big as female great whites. According to John Chisholm, an adjunct scientist at the New England Aquarium, adult females average 15 to 16 feet long while males usually reach 11 to 13 feet. A famous female shark named Deep Blue was recorded at 20 feet (6 meters) long in 2015, making her one of the largest ever filmed.

Most recently, Contender was spotted in Canada’s Jacques Cartier Passage, far from where he originally swam. Given his size and recent locations, even the best bite-resistant wetsuit might not provide enough reassurance for beach-goers.

Sharks are fascinating, but they can also be unpredictable. As we learn more about these incredible creatures, it’s essential to understand both their behaviors and the potential risks they pose. For extra insights, check out Oceanographic Magazine which covers shark research in detail.

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Great white shark,Marine biology