Massive Shark Gathering Spotted Off New York Coast
LONG ISLAND, NY – A drone captured stunning footage of an unusually large aggregation of spinner sharks just off the coast of Long Island, New York, sparking both awe and caution among local surfers and beachgoers. The video, posted to Instagram by Michael Cuomo, known as @montaukair, shows what he described as “acres and acres” of the sharks within sight of the beach.
The remarkable sight raises questions about the sharks’ behaviour – whether they are feeding, migrating, or simply gathering for other reasons. spinner sharks are known for their distinctive feeding tactic,spinning along their longitudinal axis as they pursue schools of baitfish,sometimes leaping as much as 20 feet into the air.While generally not considered hazardous to humans, a recent incident in Florida highlighted the potential for unexpected encounters.
According to the Florida Museum, spinner sharks inhabit subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions worldwide, ranging from the U.S. East Coast to Brazil,Europe,Africa,Indonesia,and Australia. They get their name from the spinning behavior exhibited during feeding.
“This is the wildest thing I’ve seen with a drone,” Cuomo explained in his video. ”The school was endless!”
earlier this summer, a surfer at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, experienced a direct encounter with a spinner shark, describing it as “feeling like getting hit by a car. It was really strong and powerful. They’re all muscle.”
Despite the potential for forceful contact, the Florida Museum maintains that spinner sharks are “not considered dangerous to humans.” However, the recent Florida incident and the sheer number of sharks observed off New York serve as a reminder to remain vigilant in the water.
