North Carolina Beaches Facing Dangerous Sharks, Alligators
The summer only just officially started, but North Carolina beaches are already dealing with dangerous sharks and alligators. According to authorities, North Carolina beaches have also brought more than 150 water rescues this season due to dangerous rip currents. While summer can be fun and visiting the beach is certainly a choice summertime activity, it’s all a reminder to stay safe as you’re swimming and soaking up the sunshine this season.
North Carolina Beaches with Dangerous Sharks and Alligators
Let’s start with that shark attack. According to the experts Sunset Beach Police Department, earlier this month, a young man was treated for injuries after an incident involving a shark bite. This incident took place at a Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, close to the South Carolina border. Officers say they were called to East Main Street near 11th Street to respond to a 20-year-old man who was injured while swimming. When officials got to the scene, they report the man had suffered a laceration to his lower leg after swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The Police department first reported the incident as a shark bite, but since then, they’ve stated, “It appears the injury was caused by some sort of sea life.” So, they don’t know for sure if it was a shark, but that was their first thought. According to officials, the man was quickly taken to the hospital to get treatment from experts. So, look out for dangerous sharks in the water, especially this season. Sadly, Tamayo Perry, a lifeguard for Honolulu Ocean Safety, just died after a shark attack in Oahu, Hawaii.
There have been some alligator sightings, too. Last week, wildlife experts and police were called to Las Palmeras Mexican Restaurant on Chandlers Lane in Sunset Beach. According to police, “When the officers arrived, the alligator was tucked under the vehicle with his head peering out from the driver’s side door, blocking access to the vehicle.” I literally can’t imagine walking up to my car and seeing an alligator near it. I would run the other way. Thankfully, the wildlife experts and police were able to get control of the alligator “out of concern for the safety of the vehicle owner” and take it to a local pond, according to police. “Never approach an alligator or allow children near them. Alligators can move very quickly over short distances,” Sunset Beach Police warned. Dangerous rip currents are also a factor this season. Nearly each day, the National Weather Service warns of threatening rip currents in North Carolina waters. So, be careful out there and use common sense when coming up against nature, especially dangerous sharks.
