VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A sandbar shark was spotted swimming near the shore at the Lynnhaven Inlet area of Chic's Beach in Virginia Beach on Thursday.
The sandbar shark is also known as a brown shark, according to a spokesperson from the Virginia Aquarium.
The dorsal fin is how they identified the species, the aquarium representative said, adding that it is not uncommon for sandbar sharks to appear in the bay — that is where their nurseries are.
According to marine biologist Skylar Snowden, there's no need for alarm. While its dorsal fin can be intimidating, Snowden reassures beachgoers that such sightings are not unusual during warmer months.
“I think it just scares people because they’re not used to seeing it,” Snowden explained. “It’s not something that you see all year round, but when the water starts warming up in the summer and early fall, you’re going to see more sharks around."
The aquarium notes that sandbar sharks play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem.
“They are an important part of apex predators in the bay, controlling populations of fish and other creatures in the food chain. Without them, those populations would be out of control,” said Snowden.
For beachgoers who want to minimize their chances of an encounter, Snowden recommends some precautions.
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“Avoid swimming at dusk and dawn, and if you see a school of fish, quietly move away or head to shore until they pass by," Snowden advised.
If you find yourself in the water with a shark, Snowden offers additional tips.
“Stay as calm as possible and calmly head to the shore without causing a ruckus. Most likely, that shark is looking for something else; we’re definitely not on the menu,” Snowden added.
Sandbar sharks are one of the largest species found in coastal waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Virginia Aquarium's website notes that sandbar sharks are typically not aggressive towards humans.
