Many wonder about great white sharks in Texas waters. Understanding their distribution and migration clarifies potential encounters.
Great White Shark Presence in Texas Waters
While great white sharks are not commonly found in the shallow, nearshore waters of Texas, their presence in the deeper Gulf of Mexico is documented. Historical records indicate great whites have been caught off the Texas coast, such as a 7-foot shark off Port Aransas in February 1950, followed by two more in the same area within weeks measuring over 11 feet.
Satellite tagging confirms occasional excursions into the western Gulf. A 10-foot female named “Acadia” was tracked approximately 140 miles off the upper Texas coast in March 2021. In February 2024, a 14-foot great white named “LeeBeth” was tracked just 100 yards off the Brownsville coast, having traveled over 2,000 miles from South Carolina. This marked the furthest west an Atlantic white shark has been confirmed. These sightings confirm great whites enter Texas waters but are rare, transient visitors preferring deeper, cooler offshore environments.
Understanding Great White Habitat and Migration
Great white sharks prefer temperate and subtropical waters, with temperatures ranging between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 24 degrees Celsius). They undertake migrations, moving from cooler northern waters south to warmer wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. These movements are driven by prey availability and water temperature.
Although great whites can be found in coastal and offshore areas, they primarily inhabit deeper oceanic waters. The western Gulf of Mexico’s warmer nearshore temperatures and different prey composition deter them from the immediate Texas coastline. However, the deeper continental shelf and canyons within the Gulf can provide suitable conditions for these migratory sharks.
Common Sharks in Texas
Texas waters are home to approximately 40 different shark species. Among the most frequently observed is the Atlantic sharpnose shark, a smaller shark typically reaching about 32 inches in length and often found in nearshore waters and estuaries. Blacktip sharks are also prevalent, known for their distinctive black-tipped fins and their tendency to leap from the water while feeding; they can grow up to 6.5 feet long.
Bull sharks are another common species in Texas, noted for their ability to tolerate both fresh and saltwater, allowing them to travel far up rivers and utilize bays as nursery areas. These sharks typically range from 7 to 11.5 feet in length. Other species frequently encountered include the bonnethead shark, a small member of the hammerhead family, and spinner sharks, which are often mistaken for blacktips due to their similar appearance and leaping behavior.
Shark Safety and General Encounters
Encounters with sharks in Texas waters are infrequent, with 78 recorded shark attacks since 1865. In Galveston, 17 shark bites occurred over a century.
To minimize risk, swim in groups. Avoiding swimming during dawn, dusk, or at night reduces risk, as sharks are more active then.
Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, as it can resemble fish scales, and refrain from entering the water with open wounds or if actively bleeding. Staying away from areas where baitfish are abundant or fishing activity is occurring helps, as these situations may attract sharks. If a shark is sighted, calmly exit the water and avoid interacting with them.