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On Calif. Coast, Great Whites Lurk Closer Than You Think

Turns out they winter off beaches, in 'Frisco Bay

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2009 11:48 AM CST
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(Newser) – The great white shark population in the eastern Pacific Ocean has a more regimented migratory schedule than previously thought—and one which brings the predators much closer to shore than was previously believed. Researchers in California tracked 179 great whites over 10 years, using acoustic tags and satellite info. Rather than wandering the sea at random, they spend winter months just off the California coast—and even venture into San Francisco Bay.

“It shows you how wild it is off our West Coast of North America,” one researcher tells the Washington Post. “This is Yellowstone.” The sharks’ movements between California and Hawaii are so standardized the population has become genetically distinct from other groups of great whites. And their proximity to humans "shows us the sharks are really minding their own business. The number of interactions with people is very small, considering,” another researcher says.

A great white shark off Mexico.
A great white shark off Mexico.   (AP Photo)
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When I go to the beach there, I look at it differently. These animals are coming in so close to shore because that's where the pinnipeds are. - Even researcher Barbara A. Block looks at recreation differently now

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
JoeQ
Nov 5, 2009 7:49 AM CST
Thanx, Jojo. That's a great link.
zackmasson
Nov 5, 2009 5:53 AM CST
Don't freak me out like that, im going surfing in my wet suit later. aahhh i cant think about that while im out there.
Galileo
Nov 5, 2009 5:09 AM CST
We don't all live in San Francisco.

 
California • San Francisco • shark • Pacific Ocean • migration • Hawaii • scientific study • great white shark • coastal waters

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