As the New Year approaches here in Fort Myers, it seems even the ocean's apex predators are ready for a change of scenery. A colossal 1,437-pound great white shark named Breton has decided to kick off the festivities in Florida's waters.
According to WFLA, big Breton surfaced near St. Augustine. Breaking the dawn at 5:17 a.m., leaving a ping on the marine party radar. Breton, first tagged in Nova Scotia in September 2020, is making his way south, possibly in search of a warmer celebration.
But Breton is not the only shark in the New Year's Eve migration party. Penny, a 10-foot, 522-pound great white, made a splash near Key Largo on December 28th. This juvenile partygoer, tagged in Ocracoke, North Carolina earlier this year, joined the aquatic gathering in Florida's coastal waters. And let's not forget Crystal, a 10-foot, 460-pound great white, who made her appearance near Daytona Beach back in November. Named after North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Crystal started her journey off in March 2022.
Great White Shark:
Experts say that as temperatures drop up north, these ocean giants head south for warmer waters. The annual migration typically kicks off in mid-October and continues until early December, with the sharks cruising about 100 miles offshore. By early December, they make their grand entrance. Welcome to Shark Party time.
These great whites, the top dogs of the ocean, weighing over 4,500 pounds and reaching up to 20 feet in length, are on a journey with no natural predators. So, as we most of the planet bundles up for winter, it seems the sharks are shedding their northern layers for the warmer party vibes down south.
VIDEO: Florida Man Becomes Shark Bait While Fishing
Here in Florida a lot of people head out on the water hoping for a big catch, but one Florida man became shark bait while fishing.
Fishing here in Florida is a popular recreational activity. In Fort Myers and Cape Coral alone, there's so many places to go. Whether it's fishing from shore or heading out for a deep sea adventure. A day on the water is always a good idea. And it's made even better if you come home with a good haul. I grew up fishing, so when I moved to Florida, I was thrilled that I could do it year-round. My backyard is a big pond, so even just stepping out and throwing in a line is fun and relaxing.
Usually fishing is a pretty tame activity. However, one Florida man had a shocking encounter last week at Everglades National Park. The man, just identified as Nick, was out with a group of friends Friday morning in Florida Bay. The fish were biting and everything was fine, until it wasn't. Nick had bent over the side of the boat to wash his hands and to his surprise, a lemon shark came and bit him, pulling him off the boat and into the water.
Thankfully, the group of friends were able to get Nick back on the boat and back to the dock where a ranger initially treated him. The Daily Mail reports he was then airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center and treated for an undisclosed injury.
Much like you hear when getting on a ride at Disney, here's a good thing to remember: Always keep hands and feet inside the boat.
