Terrifying Shark Attack Strikes Florida Beach, Not Once But Twice
Labor Day is a time to unwind and forget about the stress of daily life, but on one Florida beach, a terrifying shark attack struck not once, but twice.
Shark attacks are rare, but when they occur, it’s never good. Not good for the people involved, but not for other beachgoers or the beaches they happen at. There are some beaches where incidents happen with sharks more than others, and to me, if that’s the reputation the beach has, I’d rather avoid it than take my chances getting into that water. I can’t say I’m scared of sharks per se, after all, we’re swimming in their home, but if there’s a place with repeated shark attacks, I’d rather go somewhere else.
Yesterday, there was not one, but two shark attack on one Florida beach.
This is absolutely crazy. One shark attack you can understand, but two in one day?! Yes, that’s exactly what happened near Ponce Inland Jetty in Volusia County. According to WESH, in the first instance, a surfer in his 30’s was riding waves when he got bit on his hand. Thankfully his injury, according to officials, was non-life threatening and he drove himself to a hospital for care. The second shark bite was to a 37-year old female who was in water up to her waist who got bit on her foot while swimming. She too suffered non-life threatening injuries.
These encounters remind us that, despite our dominance on land, the ocean remains a realm where other creatures are the rulers. There are a few tips that while not guaranteed, can help you avoid a shark situation. First, avoid dusk and dawn. While it’s nice to watch the sunrise and set, swimming early in the morning or late at night are the times when a shark attack is most likely. Another tip is to avoid wearing shiny objects in the water. Sharks might think the flash from jewelry is a fish. For more shark safety tips and what to do if you DO see a shark, click here.
14 Animals In Florida That Can Kill You
Box Jellyfish
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A fun stat? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from this thing can stop your heart. Still feel like going for a swim?
The Brown Recluse Spider
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I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm. She didn’t die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms.
Black Widow
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Now, normally you won’t die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to roll the dice? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow waiting inside. I don’t help with engineering anymore. Nope.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
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It’s called a rattlesnake for a reason, it’ll rattle it’s tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don’t get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.
Bull Shark
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You knew there’d be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida.
Alligator
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Class, this is what’s know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we’re seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don’t wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf.
Southern Copperhead
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Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves – watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though…
Kissing Bugs
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It sounds friendly enough, except that the “kiss” is actually a bloodsucking bite. But that’s not where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.
Great White Shark
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Yes, as in “Jaws”. Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. And occasionally nibble on a swimmer.
Fire ants
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I’ve been bit by fire ants many times, it’s not fun. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I’m smart enough to get out of the grass. If you’re allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games.
Barracuda
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Super sharp teeth and don’t normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack.
Wild Boar
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If you live in a rural area down here, you’ve seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They’re full of diseases and bacteria – including anthrax.
Panther
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There’s actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don’t want to be the first.
Black Bear
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If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite know to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside – you may get a new pet.
