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There are Sharks in Alameda?!
There are Sharks in Alameda?!
Imagine this...you’re dipping your toes into the shallow water at Crown Beach. Suddenly someone shouts, "Watch out, there are sharks in the Bay!"
Imagine this...you’re dipping your toes into the shallow water at Crown Beach. Suddenly someone shouts, "Watch out, there are sharks in the Bay!"
Should you panic? Not really!
There are in fact leopard sharks within our bay, however they are completely harmless. Introducing the leopard shark!
Should you panic? Not really!
There are in fact leopard sharks within our bay, however they are completely harmless. Introducing the leopard shark!
What Is a Leopard Shark?
What Is a Leopard Shark?
Leopard sharks come in all different sizes and shapes. Their most noticeable features are their sleek gray or bronze body, bold black spots and stripes that mimic a leopard. They are usually 3 to 5 feet and have a slim build. They can live up to 30 years.
You can find them hanging out in shallow muddy bays, like near Carb Cove and the Estuary Park in Oakland. They have been known to travel in schools. They are primarily nocturnal, and can be seen normally around Fall.
Did you know? : Leopard sharks can live up to 30 years?
Are They Dangerous?
Are They Dangerous?
Leopard sharks are not dangerous to humans. They are considered docile and their teeth are not designed to be able to bite big prey. Their diet mainly consists of fish, shrimp, clams, and worms. They’re very shy and will typically swim away from people.
A leopard shark is probably more scared of you than you are of it!
Our bay is actually a nursery for baby sharks. Female leopard sharks give birth to live pups (baby leopard sharks). Shallow bays like Alameda are perfect for growing up safely, which makes the Bay very important for leopard shark's survival.
Why do Leopard Sharks Matter?
Leopard sharks, just like any animal within our bay, are part of a healthy ecosystem. They keep the amount of fish and invertebrate populations balanced. Healthy and abundant about of leopard sharks show that our Bay is safe enough to support complex life. This makes them one of the many native species worth protecting.
How do we Help Protect These Leopard Sharks?
There are many easy ways we can help protect these delicate creatures. For one, make sure to keep trash out of storm drains---all trash ends up in the Bay. Another way to help would to make sure not to step in eelgrass beds where they hide. You can also support habitat restoration and clean water efforts to help these beautiful sharks.
Leopard sharks may not be scary, but they are incredible! Let’s give them the space and clean water they need to thrive!
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