Sharks that you can find in Georgia’s waters

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)—While sharks may live in the ocean, most people never expect to see them when visiting the beach.

The waters off the East Coast are home to more than 50 shark species according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“Most Atlantic sharks spend at least part of their lives in coastal waters,” the NOAA said. “Many species move through bays and estuaries along the U.S. coast in search of food. Others are open-ocean dwellers that use shallower waters as nurseries or occasional feeding grounds.”

According to American Oceans, some of the most common shark species found in Georgia’s waters include the Atlantic sharpnose shark, bonnethead shark and spiny dogfish. It’s not odd for fishermen to catch smaller sharks off the coast of Georgia, with many even catching them on the beach of Tybee Island.

The Atlantic sharpnose shark

The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a smaller shark, only growing up to three feet, and has a long, pointed snout that helps it find prey in the sand. This species is commonly found in the shallow waters near the coastline.

The bonnethead shark

The bonnethead shark grows to about five feet but is typically smaller which makes it the smallest of all hammerhead species. They have shovel-shaped heads that are used to dig in the sand for small animals to eat.

This species is typically found in the estuaries and bays of Georgia’s coastal regions.

The spiny dogfish shark

The spiny dogfish shark is a very interesting shark species found in deeper Georgia waters. Their dorsal spines are coated with venom, they tend to hunt in packs like wolves and they can grow up to four feet long.

Though these are the most common, that doesn’t mean you won’t see other sharks off the Georgia coast.

Here’s some other sharks that can be seen in Georgia waters:

• blacktip shark
• tiger shark
• dusky shark
• scalloped hammerhead
• spinner shark
• sand tiger shark
• nurse shark
• lemon shark

“It is extremely unlikely for Atlantic swimmers and surfers to be bitten by or even encounter a shark,” the NOAA said. “The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File recorded a worldwide total of 108 interactions, with 41 unprovoked shark bites in the United States in 2022.”

Even though shark attacks are unlikely, here are some tips to be extra safe when in the water:

• Never enter the water if any sharks have been sighted or are suspected to be in the water and evacuate the water if sharks are sighted or suspected. Always follow lifeguard instructions and beach flags.

• During the warmest months, May and September, avoid being in the water at dusk and dawn since that is when most sharks are active.

• Safety in numbers: always swim in groups when possible.

• When you can’t swim in groups, try to stay close to shore.

• Be aware when on or between sandbars or drop-offs since those areas can be common shark hangouts.

• Avoid swimming in areas like piers where fishermen might be chumming the water.

• Keep an eye out for signs of bait fishes or feeding activities such as diving birds. In Tybee, lifeguards look for this kind of activity and will clear the water.

• Remember that sightings of dolphins do not indicate the absence of sharks. Both marine animals eat the same kinds of foods and may be in the same area.