Woman bitten by juvenile sand tiger shark at New York beach
- A woman reported being bitten by a juvenile shark while swimming in waist-deep water at Jones Beach on June 28, 2025.
- State Parks officials concluded that the likely culprit was a juvenile sand tiger shark, following assessments of the woman's injuries.
- Swimmers were able to return to the beach the following day, although experts continue to highlight that the risk of shark attacks is relatively low.
A woman was bitten by a juvenile sand tiger shark while swimming at Jones Beach State Park in Long Island, New York, on June 28, 2025. The 20-year-old beachgoer experienced minor lacerations to her left foot and leg while she was in waist-deep water. Reports indicated that she did not see the shark, leading to a subsequent investigation by state officials and biologists. After evaluating the injury and other contextual information, authorities concluded that a juvenile sand tiger shark was most likely responsible for the incident. Following her injuries, the woman was treated at the hospital after being transported there for non-life-threatening conditions. Swimming at the beach was immediately suspended as lifeguards and park staff initiated a drone search for any dangerous marine life; however, they reported no sightings of sharks thereafter. Despite the scare, the beach reopened for swimming the following day after lifeguard inspections deemed the area safe. This incident unfolded shortly before the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, a peak time for beachgoers. Historical data indicates that there have been 24 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks in New York state since 1837, adding to the importance of swimmer education regarding shark behaviors. Experts continue to emphasize that the likelihood of a shark attack remains low, as most shark incidents occur due to cases of mistaken identity, especially involving juvenile sharks that may confuse humans with their natural prey. The recent incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued caution among beach visitors. Safety tips released by state parks officials include avoiding swimming in areas where seals or schools of fish are present, refraining from swimming at dawn or dusk, and always swimming in groups. Such precautions are critical in lowering the chances of shark encounters, which often remain exaggerated by public perception influenced by media portrayals of sharks. As shark populations grow and their habitats overlap more with human areas, education on safety and awareness remains vital. Marine biologists consistently stress that sharks do not seek humans and that interactions should be managed through responsible human behaviors in ocean environments.