Where did the shark attack happen in Northern California?

The shark attack occurred at North Salmon Creek in Northern California.

Are great white sharks common in the Salmon Creek area?

Yes, great white sharks are commonly seen in the Salmon Creek area at this time of year, according to experts.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Shark Bites Surfer's Hand at Salmon Creek Beach

Shark Bites Surfer's Hand at Salmon Creek Beach

Q: What kind of injuries did the surfer sustain in the shark attack?

The surfer sustained non-life-threatening injuries to their hand.

13 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A surfer was bitten on the hand by a shark near Salmon Creek.
The surfer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and transported themselves to the hospital.
Great white sharks are often seen in the area during this time of year.

Shark Bites Surfer's Hand at Salmon Creek Beach

A surfer sustained non-life-threatening injuries to their hand after a shark encounter at North Salmon Creek in Northern California on Friday, December 12th. The Marine Unit of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office responded and found the surfer had already exited the water.

The victim chose to transport themselves to the hospital for treatment, and their surfboard showed significant damage from the shark bites. While the specific species of shark was not identified, experts note that great white sharks are frequently observed in the area during this season.

Local surf spot interactions with sharks have occurred previously, with incidents reported in Salmon Creek in recent years. Wildlife experts suggest that younger sharks may be more prone to mistaken identity bites as they practice hunting techniques.