1. Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are requiem sharks and among the most common in North Carolina’s sounds and estuaries. They typically inhabit subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and they are abundant in the Outer Banks area during summer and fall. Mother sharpnose sharks swim to deeper waters after mating in the spring, then return near the shore to give birth about 10 to 11 months later. Pup sharks are often numerous in the area. Atlantic sharpnose sharks are small for sharks, with adults reaching no more than four feet in length. They have streamlined bodies, long, pointy snouts, and are varying shades of gray with white undersides. You will often find these sharks close to the shore, coming in contact with humans more frequently. However, they don’t pose much of a threat due to their small size, but their bites can require stitches.
2. Blacktip Shark
Also a species of requiem shark, the blacktip shark is one of the largest sharks to inhabit areas near the Outer Banks, especially during summer and fall. Blacktip sharks are common in coastal tropical and subtropical water across the world and make their way to North Carolina ocean water in the late spring. Atlantic blacktips are known for leaping out of the water and spinning several times before splashing back into the ocean. This shark has a streamlined body, pointed snout, and small eyes. Its coloration is gray or brown on the upper half of its body and white on the lower half, with black tips on several of its fins. The average length of a blacktip is around six feet, but some can grow up to eight feet on occasion. Blacktip sharks swim closer to the shore and may attack when humans cross their territory, especially during feeding.
3. Great White Shark
The great white is a large mackerel shark inhabiting all coastal ocean waters. It is well known for its blockbuster performances and its significant size and intimidating appearance. Great whites can reach over 20 feet long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. However, the majority are smaller. These apex predators feed on marine mammals and are responsible for more human attacks than any other shark. Sightings of these mega sharks are rare in the Outer Banks, but they do happen. In North Carolina, great white sharks tend to stay way offshore but occasionally find their way near the beaches. The beach with the most shark attacks in North Carolina is Sunset Beach Pier in Brunswick County. Great whites travel long distances for migration and have a highly demanding diet, eating up to three percent of their body weight every time they hunt.
4. Bonnethead Shark
The bonnethead shark, also known as the shovelhead shark, is part of the hammerhead family and inhabits shoreline areas in the North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. As its name suggests, the bonnethead has a spade or shovel-shaped head and a grayish-brown body with a white underside. It varies from 2.5 feet to almost five feet, weighing between 13 and 20 pounds. The bonnethead is the only omnivorous shark species and will eat crustaceans and seagrass. This species is rare in the Outer Banks but will sometimes make its way to the southern end of the sound, where it feeds in the bottom of shallow water. Bonnethead sharks are not dangerous or aggressive and will typically leave people alone. Only one unprovoked attack was recorded for this species.
5. Bull Shark
The bull shark is a requiem species found in warm, shallow water near the coastline and even in freshwater rivers. It’s aptly named for its stocky shape and wild, unpredictable behavior. This species is known for being aggressive and responsible for many human attacks, most likely due to its propensity for being in highly populated areas. This sturdy shark is typically around eight feet long but commonly reaches 11 feet, weighing between 200 and 500 pounds. It has a broad, flat snout and a gray coloration with a white underside. Bull sharks are the apex predators in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with several sightings reported in multiple areas. These sharks are hostile, taking bites out of resident dolphins and messing with fishermen’s hooks. You should treat these animals with caution and steer clear.
6. Sandbar Shark
The sandbar shark is of the requiem species and is closely related to the bull shark, but it is distinguishable by its very high first dorsal fin. Sandbar sharks have short, rounded snouts and uneven teeth. Their color varies from blue to brown to gray with pale undersides, and they can reach over 8 feet in length. Sandbar sharks are among the most common big sharks in North Carolina waters, and you can find them year-round, especially in late summer through fall. They prefer shallow coastal waters like sandbars, estuaries, and bays. While they do not account for many human attacks, you should still take caution. They are large fish that like to stay near the shore, but they prefer small prey like crabs, shrimp, and snapper.
