Could This ‘Shark Frenzy’ Make Its Way to New England Waters?

New England Shark Attacks 2023

This isn't exactly a statistic we want to think about ever, especially as we enter that time of the year where we start focusing from enjoying (or loathing) winter and set our eyes on the spring, warmer weather, and eventually summer, but here we are.

According to CBS News, while the number of combined provoked and unprovoked shark attacks were up from 2022 to 2023, the number of deaths due to shark attacks in New England doubled, going from five in 2022 to 10 in 2023.

What is a Shark Frenzy?

According to the website HowStuffWorks,

A shark feeding frenzy occurs when a number of sharks fight for the same prey.

HowStuffWorks goes on to highlight that during a shark frenzy, all the gathered sharks can be seen thrashing around and biting anything in sight, even other sharks. Actually, according to onlookers who have found themselves in the midst of shark frenzies (and lived to tell about it), sharks have even been known to eat other sharks or completely disembowel them.

Which makes this shark frenzy spotted recently in Florida and caught on video all the more worrisome.

HowStuffWorks highlights that sources mention that regardless of how full a shark may be, when an opportunity to feed presents itself, it will feed. It is mentioned, however, that a shark frenzy is rare and while no one specific cause of it can be pinpointed, scientists believe that it could be something as simple as a high stress level in the water.

So, will the above captured shark frenzy from Florida make its way up the eastern coastline when the weather warms and present itself in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or as far north as Maine?

Not necessarily that exact shark frenzy, since its unknown what could have caused that specific one, but the threat is obviously always there, especially with the number of shark attacks and shark attack-related deaths increasing from year to year.

As always, its best to always exercise caution in the ocean and always be aware of your surroundings.