Multiple great white sharks were observed feeding on a whale carcass off the central coast of California, near Martin's Beach just south of Half Moon Bay. Drone footage captured the predators, ranging from juveniles to large adults, circling and consuming the decomposing marine mammal.
Drone operator Sammy Rigling documented the scene, estimating that he saw between six and eight different sharks throughout the day. Rigling noted the presence of several juvenile sharks and two or three large individuals, with one shark estimated to be at least 15 feet long. The sharks were observed taking turns feeding on the carcass.
The area where the feeding occurred is known as a natural habitat for great white sharks. Experts have anticipated an increase in juvenile white shark activity along the California coastline, extending from Southern California up to Monterey, due to unusually high ocean temperatures. These warmer waters are believed to be pushing sharks northward from Mexico.
The recent event follows other notable shark encounters along the California coast. In the days prior to the whale feeding, drone footage documented a great white shark appearing to track two paddle boarders off the coast of Santa Barbara. The paddle boarders described the experience as a mix of adrenaline and fear as they returned to shore. Additionally, in early June, a surfer encountered a large shark near Aptos, close to Santa Cruz.
These incidents contribute to a pattern of increased shark sightings at California beaches. Experts are predicting a "sharky summer," attributing the trend to abnormally warm weather and the onset of the El Niño cycle.