SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Drone footage captured what authorities describe as a pod of great white sharks feeding close to shore at Pine Point Beach on Wednesday, prompting warnings to beachgoers and a reminder from officers and lifeguards to exercise caution.
What happened
Scarborough police said a drone operator observed between five and seven great white sharks swimming and feeding near the shoreline on Wednesday. That followed a separate sighting of two sharks in the same area on Tuesday.
Officials believe the animals were drawn to the coast by concentrations of baitfish and seals. There were no reports of aggressive behavior toward swimmers or boaters in either sighting, and no injuries have been reported.
Public-safety guidance
Police and beach staff posted advisories asking visitors to keep a close eye on the water and to follow standard safety precautions:
- Stay near shore and within sight of lifeguards;
- Avoid swimming alone; go with a buddy or in groups;
- Listen to lifeguard instructions and posted signage;
- If you see a shark, get out of the water calmly and notify lifeguards or police immediately.
Scarborough authorities emphasized the importance of heeding lifeguards and said they would continue to monitor the shoreline.
Context and patterns
The Gulf of Maine sits near the northern limit of the great white's typical range. While Maine waters are not a common place to find the species, sightings do occur seasonally. Reports of large white sharks along New England coasts are most frequent from late spring through early fall, peaking in the summer months.
Researchers point to two factors that help explain occasional visits: the recovery of gray seal populations along the Northeast coast and warming ocean temperatures. As the Gulf of Maine warms, some scientists say encounters with large predatory sharks could increase — not because the animals seek humans, but because food sources such as seals and schools of baitfish are shifting northward.
| Date | Number of sharks reported | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 2 | Off Scarborough |
| Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 5–7 | Pine Point Beach, Scarborough |
Maine’s experience with shark incidents
Maine recorded its first fatal shark attack a little more than six years ago when a great white bit a 63-year-old swimmer off Bailey Island. That event remains a rare and tragic outlier on a coastline where recreation and fishing are central to life.
Officials at the state and local level do not expect to shut beaches absent direct evidence of immediate danger, but they are asking visitors to remain vigilant and to follow the guidance of lifeguards and public-safety personnel.
How to be shark-aware while enjoying the beach
Local authorities recommend these practical steps for people planning to visit the shore:
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty and obey posted flags and warnings.
- Avoid entering the water at dawn, dusk or night when visibility is low.
- Steer clear of areas where seals or large numbers of fish are present.
- Do not enter the water with open wounds or while bleeding.
For now, Pine Point Beach remains open to the public. Municipal and state agencies say they will keep monitoring the situation and update the public if conditions change.
This week’s sightings underscore how dynamic coastal conditions have become. As the Gulf of Maine evolves, both officials and residents are adjusting their expectations about wildlife encounters along Maine’s shores.
If you witness a shark near swimmers or have information that could aid officials, contact the Scarborough Police Department or local beach staff immediately.
