Shark Sightings & the Florida Panhandle

This summer has been quite a doozy one already, and we have yet to hit the month of August. June saw a spike in shark attacks around the Florida Panhandle. But why? Is there a reason why they are being seen so much more frequently this summer as opposed to previous summers? Does it have anything to do with the water temperatures? Let's go ahead and dive in and find out why.

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The Emerald Waters of the Florida Panhandle

Ah, the Emerald Coast of Florida. Such a destination hotspot. A tourists' dream getaway. And a new shark hotspot? Sharks have been living in the waters that we play for millennia. It is their home that we take our boats, jet skis, and paddleboards into. So, whose fault is it when a shark attack occurs? Is it the human or the animal? That question has long been debated for some time. That is most likely why there are the categories of 'unprovoked' and 'provoked' shark attacks.

From Pensacola to Panama City and every city or town in between, the waters of the Emerald Coast are a sight to behold, with their captivating beauty and serene tranquility. However, beneath this picturesque surface, there are potential dangers that can catch us off guard. What's worse? A shark attack or a rip current? The answer would be that both of these are equally dangerous. One will cause you to lose extremities and/or bleed to death. While the other will overpower you and drown you. Both will probably cost you, your life.

So, how did the Florida Panhandle coastline get its nickname of the "Emerald Coast"? The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are described as being as green as the emerald stone, which is, in fact, a very beautiful color.

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Increased shark activity? Why Now?

Many will disagree with the answer, but sharks are starting to lose their homes. Yes, there are those who will argue that climate change and global warming aren't real. But they truly are very real. The waters are rising all around the world, and some areas are getting warmer and warmer compared to what they used to be.

Sharks, like any other creature that suffers from loss of home, are looking elsewhere. Our shorelines are where we are now, and we see them frequently. What many people also need to realize is that certain breeds of shark species are capable of living in both freshwater and saltwater areas.

Another thing that folks should be cautious of is the time of day. It is said that sharks are most active just before dawn and just after dusk. But with the recent shark attacks in Walton County, the time of day almost doesn't seem to matter to sharks anymore. Food sources are another reason for caution. Sharks coming closer to the shoreline could be following their food source.

Case of Mistaken Identity?

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Seals and sea turtles are just two of the big food sources for a shark. Typically, humans are not on the list of a shark's dietary nutrition. If you were to look at a human laying on a boogie-board from underneath and you look at a seal, sharks cannot tell the difference between the two species. Thus resulting in what is called an unprovoked shark attack.

Once a shark bites down on a human, it is likely to let go, depending on the species of shark. Bull sharks and tiger sharks are two of the most aggressive sharks in the world. If you had to guess which shark was responsible for the most shark attacks, both provoked and unprovoked, which species would you think? Great white? Bull? Tiger? Oceanic White Tip? If you guessed the Great White Shark, then you would be correct.

Is Florida a Shark HotSpot?

Sharks have been spotted all along the entire state's coastline on both the Gulf of Mexico side and the Atlantic Ocean side. Shark attacks are most common along the Atlantic side of the state but that is not to say that attack don't occur on the Gulf side of the state.

Is there any one particular county that is more susceptible to shark attacks? The answer would be yes if you live in New Smyrna Beach or Volusia County. This area of Florida has seen 351 different attacks over the years. All this information and more can be found here.

About the Author

Amanda Bentle is a mother with many talents under her belt. She is also a wife, co-worker, friend, daughter, and sister. Writing is something that has always come naturally to her. Amanda is able to share her love of many hobbies, as she is not a one-hobby kind of gal, with her husband and son. Not only is Amanda a master of many talents and hobbies, but one of the many things she loves as much as her little family are the cats and dogs that she has rescued and welcomed into her little family over the last seven to ten years.