Rare shark attack in Oregon

[Amelia]

Shark bites surfer off Oregon coast

10-foot great white injures man’s leg, but ‘didn’t get seconds’

The Associated Press

Dec. 24, 2005

[]http://www.nwcn.com/topstories/stories/M_IMAGE.108519f95fb.93.88.fa.d0.e13539b.jpg[/]

SEASIDE, Ore. - A man attacked by a shark while surfing off the northern Oregon coast Saturday suffered lacerations on his ankle and calf, authorities said.

The 30-year-old surfer, Brian Anderson, was “conscious, alert and smiling” on the way to Providence Seaside Hospital, said Seaside Fire Department Chief Joe Dotson.

“There was quite a bit of blood, but he was not entered into the trauma center, so I assume he will be fine,” Dotson said.

Nursing supervisor Greg Bench said the surfer would be treated and released later in the night.

Witnesses told Dotson the 10-foot great white shark attacked around noon at the popular surfing spot near Tillamook Head.

“I think everybody got out of the water,” Dotson said. “He didn’t get seconds.”

Dotson said it was the first shark attack off Seaside in his 26 years with the department.

The last shark attack in Oregon was at Indian Beach in the late 1980's.

[cricket]

Why do they still make wet-suits in all black? Isn't it common knowledge that sharks are attracted to the dark color? (This common knowledge brought to you by someone who likely lives farthest from any coast.)

[Dr. Shane]

The water is so cold up there in Oregon that they need wet suits. Striking at noon is odd. I thought feeding times were in the morning and evening. We have a lot of dolphins along our beach. In the 8 years we have lived here there hasn't been a shark attack but the deep sea fishers fish for them out in the Gulf.

[Amelia]

Looking up to the surface all you see is a black shape/outline no matter what color you are wearing. It's the shape/movement the shark goes after, not the color.

[cricket]

Quote:

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As you can see from the chart above,

black alone is the most prevalent color combination on the gear and clothing of divers who were attacked by sharks. The black and blue color combination is the second most prevalent combination, and blue alone is the third. Such high proportions of divers who were attacked while wearing these colors versus those who were attacked while wearing another color gives us reason to believe that black is a color to which sharks are attracted. It is possible that the human form looks less human and more like prey when dressed in dark colors since some of these colors camouflage the wearer. It is also possible that such differences exist because black happens to be a popular color of gear and clothing. (Updated February 24, 2005)

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But, really, I was just going by what my now-deceased brother-in-law told me a while ago...

[Amelia]

hummmmm interesting. OK boys, hot pink for you.

[cricket]

Speaking of...