The largest great white shark in the world has been spotted near Canada after an impressive 845-mile journey. This massive predator, measuring 14 feet and weighing 1,653 pounds, was recently detected just 7 miles off the Quebec coast. OCEARCH, a non-profit organization that tracks marine animals, disclosed that the 30-year-old shark named “Contender” has been covering an average of 11.5 miles per day.
On Monday, the shark was located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, moving towards Anticosti Island. The data scientist at OCEARCH, John Tyminski, mentioned that Contender was last tracked on July 18 heading towards Martha’s Vineyard. It seems that this white shark has a preference for Atlantic Canada during this time of year.
Experts speculate that Contender might start heading south by mid-October, although his exact destination remains uncertain. White sharks like Contender are known to adapt their movements to capitalize on abundant prey, such as seals, marine mammals, or schooling fishes like mackerel and tuna. As the water temperature drops and days get shorter, these sharks typically begin their southern migration.
The scientists have observed a shift in the white sharks’ travel patterns, expanding their geographic range and preferred habitats. Each tagged shark contributes to a better understanding of these majestic creatures’ behavior and movements.