Scientist tracking biggest ever great white shark Contender reveals how to escape close encounter

One of the scientists involved in tracking Contender – the biggest great white shark ever recorded by researchers in the Atlantic – has revealed how to escape a close encounter.Contender, the 14-foot beast, was tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH in January – a non-profit organization that conducts research on large marine animals – 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville and popped up off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina earlier this month.There have been a number of other reports of shark incidents in recent days – including a nine-year-old girl nearly had her hand bitten off near Boca Grande, Florida.Dr.Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida, has dedicated her career to studying sharks – including Contender – and educating the public.She has revealed the surprising thing you should avoid wearing when swimming in the ocean – and what do to if you do come face to face with a predator.Her advice includes avoiding dawn and dusk swims, staying close to shore, swimming with a buddy, and avoid wearing shiny objects like jewellery.  And she said maintain visual contact if you spot a shark, backing away slowly while facing it.While shark attacks are rare, she stresses awareness and respect for the ocean. “The ocean is a wild place,” Dr.

Newton said.“If you see schools of fish, particularly if they’re jumping out of the water, that might be something that you want to move away from because that’s going to be very attractive for sharks, and it might help you avoid an accident or an incident.”While shark attacks are extremely rare, Dr.Newton advises that maintaining visual contact with an aggressive shark is crucial for safety. As a last resort, striking the shark’s nose may deter it; however, this should only be attempted if necessary.According to Dr.

Newton, bull sharks and tiger sharks are considered among the most dangerous species due to their size, strength, and ha...