Two individuals were bitten by a shark on the morning of July 4th at the tourist hotspot of South Padre Island, near Brownsville in southern Texas. Two off-duty Border Patrol agents from the Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit pulled one of the victims from the water and applied a tourniquet to their leg.
Stunning images circulating on social media show the severe bite inflicted by the shark on one of the victim's left calf. Other footage showed the shark—speculated to be a tiger shark—swimming very close to the shore, to the horror of onlookers.
"Current details indicate that two people were bitten, and two others encountered the shark but were not seriously injured," stated the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in a release.
The two bite victims were transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. One is receiving treatment, while the other was airlifted for additional care, according to the department.
"Shark encounters of this nature are not common in Texas," the release added, clarifying that when shark bites do occur, it is typically because sharks mistake humans for prey.
South Padre Island is located about 100 miles from Padre Island National Seashore, on the opposite end of what was once a continuous island, according to the National Park Service. Padre Island (also known as North Padre Island) is the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world, featuring 112 miles of protected coastline. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre.
According to the International Shark Attack File, managed by the University of Florida, fewer than 10 shark bites have been recorded in Texas since 2012. This places the state behind only Florida (with 259 reported bites), Hawaii (76), South Carolina (45), North Carolina (31), and California (29).
Another Incident in Florida on July 4th
On the same day, another shark bite was reported in Florida at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, often dubbed the shark bite capital of the world. Local media reported that a 21-year-old man was bitten around 4 PM local time while playing football in knee-deep water.
The young man, visiting the Atlantic coast city from Ohio, was taken to a hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Last year, there were 36 unprovoked shark attacks on humans in the United States, with two resulting in fatalities, according to the most recent annual report by the International Shark Attack File of the Florida Museum of Natural History. The project, which documents shark attacks worldwide, notes that the risk of being attacked by a shark is relatively low but advises swimmers to minimize their risk by staying in groups and closer to the shore.
FAQs on Shark Attacks in Texas and Florida
Given the recent incidents of shark bites in Texas and Florida, here are some frequently asked questions to help understand the situation better.
How common are shark attacks in Texas?
Shark attacks in Texas are relatively rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, fewer than 10 shark bites have been recorded in the state since 2012.
What should I do to minimize the risk of a shark attack?
To minimize the risk of a shark attack, swimmers are advised to stay in groups and remain closer to the shore.
Are shark encounters in Florida more frequent than in Texas?
Yes, Florida has reported significantly more shark bites than Texas. Florida leads with 259 reported bites since 2012, making it the state with the highest number of shark encounters.