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Rare Tiger Shark Caught Off Cape Cod Beach
28 Jul
Summary
- Two brothers caught a rare juvenile tiger shark while fishing early Thursday.
- Tiger sharks, typically warm-water species, are rarely seen off Cape Cod.
- Increased ocean temperatures may lead to more frequent sightings of this species.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, July 23, brothers Nate and Nelson Rouette were fishing near Falmouth when they reeled in an unusual catch – a 5-foot juvenile tiger shark. Initially believing it to be a sandbar shark, the distinctive horizontal stripes alerted them to the rarity of their find.
Nate Rouette, an experienced fisherman, expressed surprise, noting that tiger sharks are not commonly found off Cape Cod. These sharks are typically a warm-water species, usually inhabiting areas much further south. However, scientists like John Chisholm from the New England Aquarium observe that sightings in Massachusetts waters have become more frequent in recent years, potentially linked to rising ocean temperatures.
Chisholm confirmed the catch was a tiger shark, a species known to grow over 10 feet long and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. While tiger sharks are among species that have attacked humans, no recorded attacks have occurred in Massachusetts. Experts advise caution, such as avoiding swimming near seals or large schools of fish, which can attract sharks.
