New Warnings: Great White Shark Off North Carolina Outer Banks

There are new warnings about a massive Great White shark that is lurking off the North Carolina Outer Banks.

According to global marine wildlife tracking organization Ocearch, the nearly 1,500-pound Great White shark has been trolling the waters off the Outer Banks for a few weeks now.  The shark was nicknamed Breton for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where it was first tagged in 2020.   That's almost 900 miles away!

Breton first appeared off the coast of North Carolina near Bald Head Island in late January.  Before reappearing near the Outer Banks, the 13-foot male shark was tracked near Wilmington.

Breton has also been as far south as Florida and Turks and Caicos, but seems to prefer North Carolina lately.  Last weekend, his tracker indicated he was near the Pamlico Sound.  Breton also enjoys the waters off the South Carolina coast.

The presence of the giant predator is prompting warnings for North Carolina spring breakers.  The Outer Banks are a popular vacation spot during this time of year.  Officials say to approach the situation with awareness and caution.

Breton is among 437 large sea creatures that Ocearch is currently tracking.  The marine animals geo-located by a tracking beacon that pings when they surface.

Great White sharks are one of the largest predatory fish species, averaging around 15 feet for an adult male.  They are found in all major oceans.  Great White sharks can live up to 70 years, although they are considered a vulnerable species because of over-fishing and accidental capture.