Shark Attacks Surfer’s Face In New Smyrna Beach
Surfing is supposed to be about having fun and getting out on the water, but things turned frightening when a shark attacked a surfer’s face in New Smyrna Beach.
When we’re enjoying our beaches here in Fort Myers, Naples, Sanibel and Captiva, while we know sharks can be lurking, thankfully it’s not a huge worry for us when we enter the water. Sure, it could happen, but shark attacks are much more prevalent on the east coast of Florida. A 38-year-old surfer visiting from South Carolina had an absolutely frightening encounter with a shark Tuesday morning. Just before 8 a.m. he was surfing at the inlet and got bit in the face.
New Smyrna Beach is known as the World Shark Bite Capital and was #1 on the list of Most Dangerous Beaches in America. According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, there have been twice as many shark attacks there than any other beach. They report that the inlet in particular sees the most shark bites because of sharks feed near there and mistake surfers for baitfish. Thankfully the majority of the injuries are minor, but incredibly scary nonetheless.
The surfer was bit on the side of his cheek by a shark.
WESH reports the victim was taken to a hospital but has been released.
14 Animals In Florida That Can Kill You
Box Jellyfish
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A fun stat? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from this thing can stop your heart. Still feel like going for a swim?
The Brown Recluse Spider
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I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm. She didn’t die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms.
Black Widow
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Now, normally you won’t die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to roll the dice? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow waiting inside. I don’t help with engineering anymore. Nope.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
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It’s called a rattlesnake for a reason, it’ll rattle it’s tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don’t get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.
Bull Shark
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You knew there’d be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida.
Alligator
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Class, this is what’s know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we’re seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don’t wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf.
Southern Copperhead
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Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves – watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though…
Kissing Bugs
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It sounds friendly enough, except that the “kiss” is actually a bloodsucking bite. But that’s not where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.
Great White Shark
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Yes, as in “Jaws”. Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. And occasionally nibble on a swimmer.
Fire ants
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I’ve been bit by fire ants many times, it’s not fun. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I’m smart enough to get out of the grass. If you’re allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games.
Barracuda
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Super sharp teeth and don’t normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack.
Wild Boar
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If you live in a rural area down here, you’ve seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They’re full of diseases and bacteria – including anthrax.
Panther
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There’s actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don’t want to be the first.
Black Bear
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If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite know to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside – you may get a new pet.
