Warning as deadly sharks 'stalking' paddleboarders in Australia

Updated

Just days after Australia saw two fatal shark attacks within a week of each other, experts are now warning of sharks 'stalking' paddleboarders in Queensland waterways.

While the recent shark attacks saw two men die off beaches - in Coffs Harbour, NSW, and one in Gracetown, WA - an expert is suggesting Queensland's canals and creeks could be even more dangerous.

Queensland's Shark Control Programme boss Jeff Krause voiced his concerns after it was revealed government shark hunters had caught 633 man-eating sharks off the Queensland coast so far this year.

According to the Courier Mail, he said: "We hear reports of people paddling on Gold and Sunshine Coast creeks and canals seeing a dorsal fin and feeling as if they're being stalked.

"We've had reports of paddlers being bumped by sharks or seeing them close by and getting an uneasy feeling that the sharks are waiting for them to fall off.

"The canals and man-made lakes are a prime area for bull sharks. We'd prefer that people didn't swim in the waterways and instead stick to patrolled beaches."

The bull shark is commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. It is known for its aggressive and unpredicatble nature.

Bull sharks are large and stout, with females being larger than males. Adult female bull sharks average 2.4m (7.9ft) long and typically weigh 130 kg (290lb), whereas the slightly smaller adult male averages 2.25m (7.4ft) and 95 kg (209 lb). A maximum size of 3.5m (11ft) is commonly reported.

Zach Young, 18, was mauled to death by a 3m tiger shark while bodyboarding off Coffs Harbour, while plumber Chris Boyd was killed by a great white shark while surfing in Gracetown, near Perth.



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