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Officials believe young shark bit a woman at a New York beach

ABC News's profile
Original Story by ABC News
June 28, 2025
Officials believe young shark bit a woman at a New York beach

Context:

A 20-year-old woman was likely bitten by a juvenile shark while swimming waist-deep at Jones Beach State Park in Long Island. The incident resulted in minor cuts to her left leg and foot, and although not life-threatening, it prompted immediate medical attention. Despite the woman not seeing the animal, experts suspect a juvenile sand tiger shark based on injury analysis. Following the incident, authorities suspended swimming and conducted drone searches, which did not reveal any dangerous marine life. Swimming was allowed to resume the next day after ensuring the safety of the waters with drones and lifeguard surveillance.

Dive Deeper:

  • A 20-year-old woman sustained minor injuries from a suspected shark bite at a suburban New York beach, specifically Jones Beach State Park on Long Island. Her injuries included minor cuts to her left leg and foot, which were treated as non-life-threatening.

  • The woman, who was waist-deep in the water, did not see what bit her, leaving experts to analyze the injury photos and other factors to determine the likely culprit.

  • State officials believe that a juvenile sand tiger shark was responsible for the bite, pointing to the pattern and nature of the injuries sustained.

  • In response to the incident, swimming was immediately suspended, and a search for dangerous marine life was conducted using drones, though no threats were detected.

  • Swimming activities at the beach resumed the following morning after authorities confirmed the water’s safety through additional drone surveillance and lifeguard monitoring to prevent further incidents.

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