Police in Scarborough, Maine, are warning the public after several sightings of a large shark near popular local beaches.
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Scarborough Police Department said the shark was seen the day before near Higgins Beach, Crescent Beach State Park, Pine Point Beach, and Richmond Island.
“Scarborough’s Marine Resource Officer received a report of what appeared to be a large shark near Richmond Island and Scarborough Beach,” the department said in a public notice.
Drone footage of the shark was taken on Tuesday by the marine resource officer. Officials estimate the shark is 10–12 feet long and was seen swimming near the southern end of Richmond Island, close to Higgins and Scarborough Beaches.
Police shared the footage to keep the community informed and said they will provide updates if more information becomes available. The video was originally captured at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, by David Lancaster while he was on his boat.
In the video, the shark can be seen swimming near the water’s surface. Police also reported that the shark was spotted again near Pine Point Beach, although no new photos or video have been released.
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David Lancaster, the fisherman who filmed the shark, said he was surprised to see such a large animal in the area. “It was pretty crazy to see in the local waters. There are some really amazing creatures in the sea,” he told the Associated Press.
Great white sharks have lived in Maine waters for a long time, but sightings have become more common in recent years. Maine’s first recorded fatal shark attack happened in 2020 off Bailey Island. Scientists believe the increase in seal populations may be attracting more sharks closer to shore.
