Hundreds of sharks were spotted swimming in the waters near Masonboro Island, North Carolina, in dramatic drone footage that captured the predators moving close to shore.
The aerial video, recorded by Adam Pflum, showed large groups of sharks gathering in the shallow-looking coastal waters. A large stingray could also be seen swimming alone nearby.
Drone footage captured the unusual sight
Pflum said he was “wowed” by the scene as he watched the sharks moving through the water.
From above, the animals could be seen spread across a wide area near the beachhead, creating an unusual sight for anyone looking toward the water from shore.
The footage quickly drew attention after being shared online.
Sharks gathered close to the shoreline
The large number of sharks may look alarming, but some viewers familiar with the area said the sight was not unusual.
Several Instagram users described the gathering as “100 percent normal” during migration season, suggesting the sharks may have been following seasonal food sources through the area.
The presence of so many sharks does not necessarily mean they were actively hunting people near the beach.
North Carolina waters are home to many shark species
North Carolina’s Atlantic waters are home to a wide variety of sharks.
According to North Carolina State University, at least 14 shark species regularly swim off the state’s coast. These include great white, tiger and bull sharks, three species that can grow large and are capable of posing a danger to humans.
Other shark species in the region are generally less threatening to swimmers.
A stingray was spotted among the sharks
The drone footage also revealed a large stingray swimming through the same area.
Unlike the sharks, the stingray appeared to be traveling alone as the groups of sharks moved through the surrounding water.
The contrast made the aerial footage even more striking, giving viewers a rare look at the marine life gathering just offshore.
The footage offers a glimpse beneath the surface
From the beach, the ocean can appear calm and empty even when large numbers of marine animals are swimming below.
Pflum’s drone footage offered a different perspective, revealing just how much activity can be hidden beneath the surface.
While the sight of hundreds of sharks may make some beachgoers think twice before entering the water, the gathering also shows the rich marine life found along North Carolina’s coast.
Featured Image: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Leave a Reply