A surfer at North Salmon Creek in Sonoma County was bitten on the hand by a shark on Dec. 12 and later transported himself to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Sonoma County Marine Unit found him ashore and Sonoma County Fire 8880 downgraded its response. A photo from authorities shows multiple bite marks on the surfboard; officials have not identified the shark species. Experts note great white sharks are common in the area this season and younger sharks learning to hunt may misidentify prey.
Surfer Bitten on Hand by Shark at North Salmon Creek; Later Self-Transports to Hospital
m-kojot/GettyNorth Salmon Creek Beach in northern California
A surfer is recovering after being bitten on the hand by a shark while surfing at North Salmon Creek in Sonoma County on Friday, Dec. 12, authorities said.
Incident Details
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) reported that the Marine Unit located the surfer on shore after he got himself out of the water. Sonoma County Fire 8880 downgraded its response to Code 2 because the Marine Unit was already on scene. Medics described the injuries as non-life-threatening.
Sonoma County Sheriff's OfficeBite marks on surfboard following the Dec. 12 shark attack at North Salmon Creek
According to the SCSO, medics spoke with the surfer, who initially declined treatment at the scene and later transported himself to the hospital for evaluation and care. A photo released by the sheriff's office shows the surfboard with multiple bite marks. Officials have not identified the species of shark involved.
Eyewitness Account
“I’m really glad I didn’t paddle out. I’m praying for the guy, hoping it was just a nibble and he’s back in the water soon,” witness Alex Valentin told The San Francisco Standard. Valentin said he saw the surfer paddle out around 8 a.m. and returned about 30 minutes later to find paramedics treating the victim.
Context and Expert Notes
People magazine reported it contacted the SCSO for further comment. The incident adds to at least two other reported shark encounters in California this year near Montara Beach and Catalina Island. Salmon Creek has recorded prior shark-related incidents in October 2021 and May 2019.
Sonoma Sheriff/FacebookSonoma County Sheriff's vehicle
The nonprofit California White Shark Project said great white sharks are commonly seen in the area this time of year. Paul Kanive, the group's president, noted that younger sharks are shifting toward prey such as seals and sea lions and are still honing their hunting skills, which can lead to mistaken bites.
Injuries were reported as non-life-threatening and the surfer is receiving hospital care.
