Hunter Anderson was surfing Tuesday near Figure Eight Island off Wilmington NC, when he was bitten on the hand by a shark.
The 29-year-olds step father Bruce Wise posted the photos and story on Facebook. Anderson received stitches and is doing well.
Thankfully Hunter knows this was not some mad killer shark chasing humans. In his own words:
“To the news media and anyone else who is interested:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me. However, I must decline the interview. The public’s fear of sharks and the ocean is unwarranted and out of control. I do not want to contribute to the media frenzy that fuels this.
On Tuesday afternoon, while surfing off figure 8 island, I was bitten by an approximately 4-6 foot shark (not a tiger). The water was choppy and very murky. This was undoubtedly a case of mistaken identity. While paddling out after catching a wave, I stuck my left hand in the water to make a stroke. The shark grabbed my hand, as I felt his teeth graze my bones he immediately released and vanished. I never saw the shark. He wanted nothing to do with me.
I hope that my story does not add to the hysteria and misunderstanding of sharks. The climate of fear being created in our society is poisonous. It leads to unbalance and ‘disease.’
Do not fear things, if you must think of something, love it. Enjoy the ocean and all the natural beauty in this world. Live your life, love it, and love everything around you.”
Will update the 2104 shark bites attack map on Tuesday.
The photo below was taken by Anderson’s friend, Austin Ray and posted on Bruce Wise Facebook.
