Blacktip sharks are one of the most common shark species found along the Gulf Coast, according to marine experts.
Dr. Sean Powers, director of the University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and senior marine scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, says blacktip sharks are primarily seen along the beach in summer months.
“If they’re fishing, they might hook one,” Powers said. “But they also occur in immense schools. All sharks will migrate along the beach in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.”
Size and Diet
Blacktip sharks grow to about five to six feet long and are considered medium-sized coastal sharks. They mainly eat small fish, invertebrates, crabs, and sometimes stingrays.
Beach Safety
While blacktip sharks are not considered highly dangerous to swimmers, they do engage in what experts call “test bites.” Powers explains that blacktip sharks aren’t looking to eat humans, but if they see something splashing, they may take a test bite. These bites don’t account for many fatalities, but can cause injuries.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to about 50 shark species out of approximately 440 worldwide, according to Powers.