Shark injures four in Texas

Four people were injured in a suspected shark attack on South Padre Island, Texas, on July 4th.

"Two individuals were bitten in the attack, and two others also encountered the shark but were not seriously injured," according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Texas Game Warden Captain Chris Dowdy stated the attack occurred near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill. Of the two bitten, one was taken to a local hospital, the other airlifted for further treatment.

Where is the shark now?

The shark escaped to open waters, and there are no plans to contain it, says Dowdy. Beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant and exit the water calmly if they spot any sharks.

Are shark attacks common?

Shark attacks are rare, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF). The lifetime odds of a fatal shark attack are 1 in 4 million. There were 36 shark-related incidents in the US in 2023.

Texas counties with the most shark attacks (going back to 1911):

• Galveston: 19
• Nueces: 12
• Cameron: 7
• Brazoria: 3
• Matagorda: 2
• Kleberg: 1
• Calhoun: 1

ISAF emphasizes that most attacks result from people spending more time in the water, not aggressive shark behavior.