Great White Spotted Off Biddeford—Beaches Cleared, Lifeguards Sound Alarm
Great White Shark Spotted Near Maine Beaches: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
On Thursday, a confirmed great white shark sighting occurred off the coast of Biddeford, Maine. Here’s the breakdown:
- When: Shortly before noon on Thursday
- Where: Off Granite Point, near a private beach
- Response: Purple flags were raised at Biddeford public beaches to warn swimmers
- Direction: The shark appeared to be moving north along the coast
Important: Purple flags at beaches mean dangerous marine life has been spotted. Always check flag colors before entering the water!
The Beachgoer’s Perspective
Matt Granger, a visitor from Colorado, was swimming with his family at the private beach when the shark was reported. They were not notified about the sighting.
Granger’s concern: "In today’s day and age, you get an Amber Alert about a child missing on the freeway. Why would we not be notified about a potential shark sighting?"
City Response
- Biddeford Recreation posted about the sighting on Facebook
- Officials didn’t see anyone on the private beach at the time of the sighting
- They planned to notify beachgoers in the area later that day
Why Are We Seeing More Sharks?
This isn’t an isolated incident — great white sharks have been spotted repeatedly along the Maine coast in recent weeks. Experts explain why:
1. Population Recovery
Bryan Franks, Director of the Girard Marine Science Center at University of New England:
"The population of white sharks has increased over the last 25, 30 years."
2. Better Technology
- More people have smartphones with cameras
- Drones allow aerial views of the ocean
- We’re simply seeing and recording sharks that were always there
3. Climate Change & Water Temperature
Bryan Franks: "White sharks are species that particularly like cooler water, so as southern waters warm, the range of the population may be moving a little north."
4. Food Availability
Walter Golet, Associate Professor of Marine Sciences at University of Maine:
"We have a lot of big schools of striped bass; we have big schools of Atlantic Menhaden, and these white sharks, when they’re juveniles, they tend to have more of a mixed diet."
What Do Experts Say About Safety?
Key Facts from Scientists:
- Great whites typically stay in Northeast waters until early fall
- They’ve always been here — we’re just noticing them more
- Juvenile (young) white sharks are commonly seen in Maine waters
- Awareness is key, not fear
Walter Golet: "They always have been here, and I think it’s just one of those things that we have to be cognizant about."
How to Stay Safe at the Beach
Numbered Safety Steps:
- Check flag colors before entering water (purple = dangerous marine life)
- Swim near lifeguards whenever possible
- Stay in groups — sharks are more likely to approach solitary individuals
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night when sharks are most active
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry — it can look like fish scales
- Avoid areas with lots of bait fish or where people are fishing
- Listen to official announcements and follow lifeguard instructions
What Beachgoers Are Doing
Despite the sightings, many people aren’t staying out of the water completely.
Matt Granger: "We’ll be out there but keeping a close eye."
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Confirmed great white shark sighting off Biddeford, Maine |
| Warning System | Purple flags raised at public beaches |
| Trend | Increased sightings along Maine coast in recent weeks |
| Causes | Population recovery, better technology, warming waters, food availability |
| Expert Consensus | Sharks have always been here; awareness > fear |
| Season | Typically present until early fall |
| Safety | Check flags, swim near lifeguards, stay aware |
FAQ: Your Shark Questions Answered
1. Are great white sharks new to Maine?
No! They’ve always lived in these waters. Scientists confirm the population has been recovering for 25-30 years, and we’re just seeing them more due to phones, drones, and changing ocean conditions.
2. What does a purple flag at the beach mean?
A purple flag warns of dangerous marine life (like sharks, jellyfish, or stingrays) in the water. Always check flag colors before swimming!
3. Why are sharks moving north?
Great whites prefer cooler water. As southern oceans warm due to climate change, their comfortable habitat range is shifting northward.
4. Should I stop swimming in the ocean?
Experts say no — just be smart. Swim near lifeguards, check for warnings, avoid dawn/dusk, and stay aware. Millions of people swim safely alongside sharks every year without incidents.
5. What should I do if I see a shark?
- Stay calm
- Slowly move toward shore
- Keep the shark in sight
- Alert lifeguards immediately
- Don’t splash or panic — that can attract attention
Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the beautiful Maine coast responsibly!