Shark Attacks In Washington

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Do you want to learn about Shark Attacks in Washington?

If you’re a beach person, you know how hard it is to resist the waters when the gorgeous sea is in front of you. However, it is sometimes best to ensure that where you plan to swim is a safe area. Almost thirty different shark species infest Washington’s waters.

Read on to learn all about them, as well as the recorded shark attacks in the state of Washington.

Movies have developed an unjustified fear of sharks in most people that we seldom pay attention to other sea predators. Even though there haven’t been any recorded shark attacks in Washington state for a pretty long time, it’s always best to stay cautious.

It is always best to avoid provoking any sea creature when going in the waters, whether swimming or surfing. Sharks generally do not bother you until you provoke them. Also, all shark species are not as blood-thirsty as movies portray.

Here, we will discuss the chances of shark attacks or interactions with their species.

Does Washington Have Shark-Infested Waters?

If you’re terrified of sea creatures, then know that Washington contains more than 25 shark species. However, the good thing is that not all sharks are predators and like to mind their own business.

Of course, like any living thing, they get hungry, and when they find food around, they will go after that. Unfortunately, the name “Shark” has become a sign of terror due to various movies. However, most shark species are not big enough to feast on humans.

So, the short answer here is: yes, Washington has shark-infested water. But please note that those sharks will not bother you unless you provoke them.

How Many Shark Species Are There In Washington?

The Shark Foundation estimates that there are roughly 30 species of shark in the waters off the coast of Washington State. Each one performs a different role in the regional ecosystems, but tragically every shark species known to man is in danger of going extinct.

Let’s find out more about the largest sharks in Washington State.

#1 Salmon Sharks

Being strong swimmers, salmon sharks have broad tails with two keels. Salmon sharks can reach over 10 feet; however, they typically range between 6.5-8 feet. The ability of these sharks to control body temperature is well documented, as they can easily survive in cold waters.

The continental offshore seas, from the surface to at least 500 feet below the surface, are where this species is most widespread. However, it has occasionally been observed inshore, outside the breaker zone.

#2 Tiger Shark

These sharks have short, wide, and powerful teeth that are extremely sharp. As they are carnivores, these sharks only eat meat. They are known for being extremely aggressive hunters and are believed to be one of the most violent shark species around.

In fact, it is listed as one of the top three angriest sharks worldwide. They are also known to attack people without warning – one of the causes they are deemed extremely lethal.

Due to the dark stripes on its bottom body that mimic the patterns of a tiger, it has the name “tiger.”.

#3 Great White Shark

The white shark is another name for the great white shark. A newborn great white shark is around 5 feet long; when it grows, it could grow up to 20 feet long. The great white shark is a carnivore since it feeds on many other marine creatures, such as fish and seabirds.

It is a species with no known natural predators and feasts on humans more often than any other species. With a more than 70 years lifespan, this creature is one of the longest-living cartilaginous fishes.

#4 Dusky Shark

Requiem sharks include the dusky shark, which thrives in tropical and hot continental oceans worldwide. It can reach a maximum length of 11 feet and weighs between 350 and 400 lbs on average.

They are more susceptible to overfishing than certain other sharks because they have much slower growth and later maturation than most other sharks. Although dusky sharks are not harmful, huge adults can become aggressive if startled.

Although they have a sluggish growth rate, they at least have a lengthy lifespan. They are thought to have a lifespan of over 30 years.

#5 Cat Shark

The tiny-spotted catshark is a small shark species with dark streaks and patches covering its skin. The tiny catshark has a small mouth, huge cat-like eyes, and very scratchy pale cream skin. With curly tendrils emerging from the corners, they reach a length of about 3 feet.

Although many species of bottom-dwelling organisms are uncommon and poorly known, cat sharks have been discovered in all significant marine habitats in tropical and temperate zones.

The biggest family of sharks is the cat family, which contains about 160 species in 17 genera. Cat sharks eat tiny fish and invertebrates. There are not known to be hostile towards humans.

#6 Sand Tiger Sharks

Gray nurse sharks and sand tigers are other names for sand tiger sharks. They have a big body and a mouth full of pointed teeth that stick out in all directions regardless of whether their mouth is closed.

These are the only sea creatures that surface to breathe, not to swallow air. The shark may float still in the water while watching for prey because the air makes it more buoyant.

These fish are not particularly hostile toward people and only trouble humans if bothered.

#7 Blacktip Shark

The name “blacktip shark” refers to the fin tips’ unique black markings. They can grow up to eight feet long and weigh between 66 and 220 pounds. The females of this species are bigger than the males; the longest female was measured at 6.8 feet long, although the average size is 5.5 feet.

Though not intentionally, these species are most likely to bite humans. Blacktip sharks are typically suspicious of people, but when they smell food, they can become aggressive and attack several people.

#8 Basking Shark

The basking shark, one of the three species that consume plankton, is the second-largest shark after the whale shark. Whale sharks are the only species larger than adult basking sharks – which can grow up to 30 feet long.

Despite its size, the species is a filter feeder, which means that rather than consuming large marine creatures, it feeds on plankton by filtering water. These sharks may breach, i.e. jump completely out of the water, despite being big and slow.

Basking Sharks are a passive species since they avoid ships and human contact, unlike Great White Sharks.

Reported Shark Attacks In Washington

In Washington state, there have only been two reported shark attacks so far, making the exploring the Washington seaside feel quite safe. Let’s find out the details about reported shark attacks in Washington.

• Most Recent Reported Shark Attack In Washington

In 2017, there were nine documented shark attacks from California to Washington, all of which were thought to be great whites. 

This incident did not result in any injuries, but a great white shark harmed a man’s surfboard.

• First Recorded Shark Attack In Washington

On Wednesday, April 12, 1989, the state of Washington experienced its first confirmed shark attack in the 20th century. Surfer Robert Harms probably thought it was just another day when sitting on his purple surfboard 100 meters off Pacific Beach near Aberdeen in western Washington.

Harms noticed a big gray fish near his surfboard and then a swirl. Regaining his composure, he got back on his board and paddled for land. The surfer instinctively pulled his arm away from the shark who had grabbed it while resisting a minor push on it.

To cure the numerous wounds, he took off his wetsuit as he approached the coast and arrived at the beach.

Types of Shark

The name “Shark” itself is enough to scare most people, thanks to movies like “The Jaws” and “Deep Blue Sea,”. However, as discussed already, not all sharks are predators; here, we will discuss the species in detail.

Sharks With Weird Shapes

You can find the Pacific Ocean’s scalloped, bonnethead, and smooth hammerhead sharks close to the state of Washington. Thresher sharks gather and stun small bait fish like sardines and anchovies, which constitute their main food source.

These swiftly swimming sharks can weigh up to almost 1,000 pounds, although they are unlikely to harm people.

Even though they are harmless, you should keep your distance if you come across them.

The Middle Class

Sand tiger sharks with few teeth are described as “middle-class sharks.” They prefer deep waters close to the continental slope and reside at the bottom. Blue sharks are medium-sized fish that grow to a maximum length of 9 feet.

Blacktip sharks, also a middle-class shark, typically grow under 6 feet and eat fish and tiny sharks. Even though they frequently inhabit the vast ocean far from land, they could potentially harm people.

Small Sized

As the name suggests, these are small in size and not harmful to humans. Understandably, any creature would avoid getting into trouble by messing with a bigger body than theirs. The small-sized sharks include dogfish, catfish and leopard sharks.

The spiny dogfish is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling species that grows to a maximum length of around 3 feet. It is maybe the most prevalent and extensively researched shark species in the world.

Leopard sharks only grow to a maximum length of 4 to 5 feet and are likewise non-lethal. All cat sharks are small, little-known deep-water bottom dwellers. The waters off the coast of Washington are home to several deep-water cat sharks.

Gentle Giants

The name reveals it all. Gentle giants prefer to be gentle with humans and other moving creatures. When talking about “gentle giants,” only basking sharks are the ones with huge bodies and least bothered by humans.

The main reason is that they are too lazy to swim after prey and prefer to go after easily available food. They are predominantly filter feeders and do not consider people to be a source of food.

Sea Monsters or Predators

These sharks belong to the carnivore category and are natural predators. Blue sharks, great white, and tiger sharks are known as sea monsters. The two biggest predatory species in the region are tiger sharks and great white sharks.

Great white sharks can grow to be at least 20 feet long, and they devour a lot of marine mammals, such as seals, dolphins, and whales. Although salmon and dusky sharks cannot get as big as tiger sharks or great whites, they are nevertheless potentially harmful to humans.

Also, they can grow to be 8 to 12 feet long. Tiger sharks are almost as long as great white sharks, but they feed on a larger range of animals, such as fish, turtles, and birds.

What To Do When Faced With A Shark?

It is best to avoid interaction with these giant sea creatures because the research we have is something that humans know, not sharks. Consequently, the fish can panic if threatened or provoked unnecessarily.

It would be ideal if you’re boating or surfing in the water with people and lifeguards around. However, avoid going too far into the sea on your own as it can sometimes be dangerous. If you ever come across a shark, follow these tips.

Safety Tips

• If sharks are in the area, stay out of the water. If already in the water, leave the water slowly and gently.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored or highly contrasting apparel since sharks have excellent contrast vision.
•  Sharks can detect splashing low-frequency sounds and may investigate to determine whether a fish or another prey is around. So, avoid splashing too much, especially in one and the same area.
• Avoid fishing in recognized sewage or effluent-filled sites and those frequented by commercial or sport fishermen – especially if there are indications of baitfish or feeding activity.
•  Avoid swimming in the sea around dusk or throughout the night, as this is the time when many sharks are active and feed.
• Since sharks are more susceptible to approaching a lone swimmer, stick with a partner and avoid venturing too far from shore. Being far from land also cuts you off from any emergency help.

How Likely Is It to Survive a Shark Attack?

The prevalence of recording significant and insignificant experiences with sharks has increased with the development of technology, especially social media.

With quicker emergency response times, improvements in medicine, and first aid techniques, the likelihood of surviving an aggressive bull shark attack increased significantly.

Accidents that were once lethal can now be treated more successfully, thanks to general severe trauma treatment advancements.

What To Do If a Shark Starts Following You?

First, try not pulling off stunts like going in “no-go zones” to avoid a meetup with a shark; however, if you still find one’s attention, follow these tips to stay safe.

Stay Calm

It would be the most difficult thing to do when a shark is circling or following you, but panicking will get you in more trouble. So, try your best to maintain your calm. Splashing around won’t do anything but pique the shark’s attention and make it more likely that it will bite.

Swimming and splashing around invite the shark attempt an exploratory bite.

Keep Watching It

Since sharks are apex predators, turning around to face one while it circles you won’t make it any more comfortable than if it can approach from behind. Keep your head swiveled while the shark moves around you, and make an effort to keep eye contact.

If you’re surfing, follow the shark with your boards to alert it to your presence. Pose your body so the shark can see you follow it, and know you are there. Then carefully climb back up to a sailboat or the shore, where you can depart.

DO NOT Act Dead

Sharks usually hunt to feed their hunger if not provoked. So, if you find one is going to attack you, know that playing dead won’t work. Use whatever you have in your hands in these situations as a weapon to fight for life.

Aim the area around the mouth, like the nose or eyes. Also, remember that sharks have pretty sensitive gills and attack them. A well-placed shot to the gills will work best and cause the fish to flee.

Wrapping Up on shark attacks in Washington

Washington is a state with few recorded shark attacks. The state’s waters are great for sharks and contain up to thirty species. 

Despite the large number of sharks infesting the water, there have only been two reported shark attacks in Washington in 1989 and 2017. Both incidents happened in Grays Harbor on the state’s west coast. 

We suggest not going to the unfamiliar or lonely parts of the sea and staying where people and lifeguards are around to ensure your safety.

Thank you for reading this article! There are many many more states in the United States that face shark attacks, continue reading about Shark Attacks in Oregon.

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