Cape Cod attracts numerous visitors to its beaches each year. Sharks are a natural part of the ocean ecosystem. While interactions remain uncommon, public interest in their presence is notable.
Current Shark Attack Statistics
Cape Cod has seen a limited number of unprovoked shark attacks in recent years, with white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) being the primary species of concern. The most recent fatal incident occurred in 2018 when Arthur Medici, a 26-year-old man, was fatally attacked while boogie boarding off Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. This marked the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts since 1936.
Prior to the 2018 fatality, non-fatal incidents included William Lytton, severely injured in August 2018 off Truro, who survived after fighting off the shark. In 2012, a body-surfer was bitten on the feet and leg at Ballston Beach in Truro but recovered. Other incidents involved damage to kayaks and paddleboards in 2014 and 2017, with no human injuries. These rare unprovoked interactions confirm white sharks are the species most often involved.
Historical Trends and Context
Historically, shark attacks in Cape Cod were rare, with the last fatality before 2018 occurring in 1936. The frequency of interactions has increased in recent decades, particularly correlating with the rebound of the gray seal population.
For many years, white sharks were a rare sight in Cape Cod waters. However, their numbers have grown, with hundreds now congregating off Cape Cod from May through October.
The recovery of the seal population, a primary food source for white sharks, has brought these predators closer to shore. This ecological shift means the likelihood of human-shark interactions has risen compared to past decades when seal populations were significantly lower. Researchers estimated approximately 800 white sharks visited the waters surrounding Cape Cod between 2015 and 2018.
Factors Influencing Shark Activity
The presence of white sharks in Cape Cod waters is directly linked to the gray seal population. Gray seals, numbering between 30,000 and 50,000 around southeastern Massachusetts, serve as a primary food source for white sharks. These seals have made a significant comeback since the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 ended bounty programs.
White sharks migrate seasonally to Cape Cod from May to November. Their activity peaks in late summer and early fall, aligning with the seals’ presence and warmer water temperatures. This seasonal migration pattern creates an environment where these apex predators hunt their prey close to the shoreline, leading to increased sightings.
Beach Safety and Public Education
To enhance beach safety in Cape Cod, several guidelines are in place. Beachgoers are advised to be aware that sharks hunt seals in shallow waters and to stay close to shore where rescuers can readily assist. It is also recommended to swim, paddle, or kayak in groups and avoid isolating oneself.
Avoiding areas where seals are present or where schools of fish are visible is important, as these can attract sharks. Limiting splashing and avoiding murky or low-visibility water can reduce the chance of an encounter. Visitors should always heed local advisories, such as purple shark warning flags indicating shark presence, and follow instructions from lifeguards. The Sharktivity app also provides real-time updates on shark sightings, allowing beachgoers to stay informed.