Great White No More
You know how they say you’re more likely to (insert something really rare here) than get attacked by a shark? Well, a new study says that soon, it’ll be even more uncommon to even SEE a shark … or eat one for breakfast - and I was so enjoying my finn and coffee to start my day.
A new study by Stanford University shows that there are fewer than 3,500 great white sharks prowling in the ocean. The deadly predators, which can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds, are now officially rarer than tigers. “Until recently, people thought sharks were bad and there was no urge to save great whites,” said Dr. Ronald O’Dor, a senior scientist at the Census of Marine Life who has seen the findings. “Now people are beginning to understand that they are rare and that they are a wonderful species.” The study, which was conducted by tracking sharks with radio transmitters, also found that great whites travel incredible distances, sometimes swimming 12,000 miles in nine months.
My favorite part of this story is that some scientist had to catch a shark, tranq it and then put a radio transmitter into it’s head before letting it go … most badass scientist ever.
