FATAL US SHARK ENCOUNTER ON CHRISTMAS EVE REMINDER OF CAUTION IN THE WATER

Most people think that sharks only attack in the summer, and that's when the attacks all take place in Jaws, but the Christmas Eve attack on a surfer in California is a reminder that although it is Christmas, tis the season to still be jolly careful of sharks.

The incident took place at the Morro Bay State Park beach before 11 a.m., local time. It's thought that the shark was a great white, possibly a juvenile.

Earlier this year, Australian research showed that young great white sharks aren't able to tell the difference between surfers and swimmers on the surface from their natural prey, due to their poor eyesight.

Making such encounters like the one on Christmas Eve a case of mistaken identity: GREAT WHITE SHARKS NOT MINDLESS KILLERS OF MAN... MORE A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Here's our guide to help avoid the wrong place to be in the water, and what to do if you do happen to encounter a shark: How To Stay Shark Safe

Words by Dean Newman

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