Two surfers have been bitten by sharks in Florida.
The first incident occurred October 1 around 5:30 p.m. when a 32-year-old man was bitten while surfing near Flagler Avenue Beach. The unidentified surfer received minor injuries and refused transportation to the hospital
The second incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. October 2 when a 21-year-old surfer was bitten near the New Smyrna Beach Jetty. He suffered several minor cuts to the top of his left foot, and refused treatment.
He told rescue personnel he would arrange his own transportation to a local medical care facility.
New Smyrna Beach is a popular spot for surfers, bait fish and sharks. The murky water and large amount of bait fish, often lead to negative shark encounters. Sharks can confuse surfers’ arms or legs as a food source.
Thankfully, the majority of shark related injuries are minor. However, this year there have been several serious incidents.
On September 18, Miami surfer Chucky Luciano sustained serious injuries to both hands after being bitten by a bull shark. On August 29, Sam Cumiskey was bitten by a bull shark, and four tendons on the top of his right foot were severed.
There have been a total of 71 shark attack bites in 2016. Six of which were fatal; 34 were reported in the U.S., with 25 occurring in Florida. Thirteen have occurred in Australia, three of which were fatal.
All locations have been marked on the 2016 shark attack bites tracking map.
