Are There Sharks In Virginia Beach Waters?

Location

The shores of Virginia Beach, a city located on the Atlantic Coast, are a popular destination both for tourists and locals alike. The Oceanfront can draw around twenty million visitors a year with its beautiful beaches and views, but it’s not uncommon for those visitors to arrive with concerns about the possibility of encounters with sharks.

While some may find the idea of sharks in the water unsettling, understanding the species of sharks present in Virginia Beach and their behaviors can help promote safe and enjoyable experiences for beachgoers.

Are there sharks in Virginia Beach Waters?

The coastline of Virginia Beach extends for over 35 miles and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from sandy beaches to salt marshes and tidal creeks.

As a result, the area is home to a diverse range of marine animals, and that does include sharks. At the same time, the city is a popular destination for beachgoers, surfers, and fishermen, so it’s important to understand the behavior and habitats of these animals to prevent negative interactions.

Frequency of shark sightings and attacks

While shark sightings are not uncommon in the waters off Virginia Beach, the frequency of attacks is relatively low.

According to the International Shark Attack File, Virginia has recorded a total of 14 shark attacks from 1670 to 2019, with one fatality. The most recent attack occurred in 2019, and involved a teenager who suffered minor injuries while surfing in Sandbridge.

The majority of shark sightings and encounters in Virginia Beach are harmless, with sharks typically swimming away from humans. However, it’s important to understand that sharks are wild animals and their behavior can be unpredictable.

Beachgoers should always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of negative interactions. By respecting these animals and their habitat, humans and sharks can coexist safely and peacefully in the ocean.

Types of sharks found in Virginia Beach

Several species of sharks can be found in the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach.

Sandbar Shark

The sandbar shark, also known as the brown shark, is the most commonly sighted shark in Virginia Beach. This species can grow up to 8 feet in length and is typically found in shallow waters near the shore.

The sandbar shark is easily identifiable by its high, triangular dorsal fin and rounded snout. It has a streamlined body and a grey or brown coloration that helps it blend in with the sandy ocean floor.

Sandbar sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans, but caution should always be exercised when in the water. They feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, rays, and crustaceans. In Virginia Beach, sandbar sharks can often be seen swimming close to the shore, making them a popular sight for beachgoers and surfers.

Sand Tiger Shark

The sand tiger shark, also known as the ragged-tooth shark, is another species commonly found in the waters off Virginia Beach. This shark can grow up to 10 feet in length and is easily identifiable by its long, protruding jaws and greyish-brown coloration.

Despite its fearsome appearance, the sand tiger shark is not known to attack humans unless provoked. It typically feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish and crustaceans. The sand tiger shark is a unique species because it is capable of storing air in its stomach, which allows it to float motionless in the water. This behavior can be alarming to swimmers or surfers, but it is not a sign of aggression.

In Virginia Beach, sand tiger sharks can often be seen swimming in groups or patrolling the ocean floor in search of food. While they are not typically a threat to humans, it’s important to exercise caution when swimming in areas where these sharks are known to inhabit.

Dusky Shark

The dusky shark is a larger species that can grow up to 14 feet in length, making it one of the largest sharks found in the waters off Virginia Beach. This shark is typically found in deeper waters, but can occasionally be seen in shallower areas.

The dusky shark has a greyish-brown coloration and a streamlined body that allows it to move quickly through the water. It is an active predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans.

While the dusky shark is not known to be aggressive towards humans, it is still important to exercise caution when swimming in areas where this species is known to inhabit.

Due to its size and feeding habits, the dusky shark can be potentially dangerous to humans if provoked or threatened. If you encounter a dusky shark while swimming or surfing, it is recommended to calmly and slowly move away from the shark without splashing or making sudden movements.

Blacktip Shark

The blacktip shark is another species commonly found in the waters off Virginia Beach. This shark is easily identifiable by the black tips on its dorsal and pectoral fins. The blacktip shark has a slender body and a grey or blue-grey coloration, with a white underbelly.

This species can grow up to 6 feet in length and is often seen close to the shore, making it a popular sight for surfers and beachgoers. Blacktip sharks are not known to be aggressive towards humans, but like all sharks, they can be unpredictable.

They typically feed on small fish and squid, and are known for their acrobatic jumps out of the water. If you encounter a blacktip shark while swimming or surfing, it’s important to remain calm and slowly move away without splashing or making sudden movements.

Bull Shark

The bull shark is a large, powerful species commonly found in the waters off Virginia Beach. This shark can grow up to 11 feet in length and is known for its aggressive behavior and ability to adapt to a wide range of environments, including freshwater rivers and estuaries.

The bull shark has a stocky build and a grey or brown coloration. It is a formidable predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, and even other sharks. While the bull shark is not typically found close to the shore, it can occasionally venture into shallower waters in search of food.

It is important to exercise caution when swimming in areas where this species is known to inhabit, as bull sharks have been responsible for a number of attacks on humans. If you encounter a bull shark while swimming or surfing, it’s important to remain calm and slowly move away without splashing or making sudden movements.

Tiger Shark

The tiger shark is a large, aggressive species found in the waters off Virginia Beach. This shark can grow up to 16 feet in length and is known for its distinctive stripes and markings, which give it its name.

The tiger shark has a blunt, rounded snout and a powerful, muscular body that makes it a formidable predator. It is a scavenger and feeds on a wide range of prey, including fish, squid, sea turtles, and even smaller sharks.

The tiger shark is known for its indiscriminate feeding habits, which can sometimes lead to attacks on humans. While attacks on humans are relatively rare, it’s important to exercise caution when swimming in areas where this species is known to inhabit. If you encounter a tiger shark while swimming or surfing, it’s important to remain calm and slowly move away without splashing or making sudden movements.

Guidelines for swimming and surfing safely

While the chances of a shark attack are rare, it’s important to exercise caution when swimming or surfing in the waters that might have sharks. Here are some guidelines to help you stay safe:

1. Swim in areas with a lifeguard present, and pay attention to warning signs indicating shark activity or dangerous surf conditions.
2. Avoid swimming during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours, as these are peak feeding times for sharks.
3. Do not swim near schools of fish or near areas where baitfish are present, as these can attract sharks.
4. Do not wear shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, as these can attract a shark’s attention.
5. Avoid swimming alone, and always swim within sight of a lifeguard or other people.
6. If you see a shark while swimming or surfing, remain calm and slowly move away without splashing or making sudden movements.

Shark deterrent products?

If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection while swimming or surfing in the waters off Virginia Beach, there are several shark deterrent products on the market that you can consider.

These products include devices that emit high-frequency sound waves, which can disrupt a shark’s sensory system and make it less likely to approach.

Other products use a chemical deterrent or a physical barrier to create a “no-go” zone around the user. While the effectiveness of these products can vary, some studies have shown that they can be effective in reducing the likelihood of a shark encounter.

However, it’s important to remember that no product can provide 100% protection, and the best way to stay safe is to follow the guidelines provided by lifeguards and local authorities, and to exercise caution when swimming or surfing in the ocean.