Increase in shark attacks this summer

A shark attacked a man in his late 60s on the Outer Banks’ Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. It is the seventh shark attack in the state this year. The gray shark, approximately 6-7 feet long, pulled the man underwater and bit him numerous times on the hands, torso, and lower leg. He was conscious and flown to a hospital. There have been ten shark attacks total in both Carolinas so far this year when the two states normally only experience six cumulatively per year. Researchers believe the increase in shark activity near shore is due to warmer waters than usual and a higher salt content in the water because of drought.