NEED TO KNOW
- A surfer was attacked by a shark while in the water at North Salmon Creek in California on Friday, Dec. 12
- According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was “bitten on the hand,” but declined medical treatment at the scene
- “I’m praying for the guy, hoping it was just a nibble and he’s back in the water soon,” said witness Alex Valentin
A surfer is recovering in the hospital after being attacked by a shark in Northern California.
On Friday, Dec. 12, an unidentified surfer was bitten on the hand by a shark while surfing at North Salmon Creek, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said in a news release shared on Instagram.
“The Marine Unit located the surfer on shore after they had gotten themselves out of the water,” said the SCSO. “Because the Marine Unit was already on scene, Sonoma County Fire 8880 was able to downgrade its response to Code 2.”
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, according to the authorities.
“Medics spoke with the surfer, who declined medical treatment at the scene before ultimately transporting themselves to the hospital,” added the SCSO.
Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
A photo shared by the SCSO shows the victim’s surfboard riddled with shark bites following the attack. The species of shark involved in the attack has not been disclosed at this time.
Witness Alex Valentin told The San Francisco Standard that he saw the surfer entering the waters before the attack at around 8 a.m. local time on Friday. He left to check another surfing location and returned 30 minutes later to find paramedics treating the victim in an ambulance.
“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,” Valentin told the outlet.
PEOPLE has contacted the SCSO for further comment.
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Sonoma Sheriff/Facebook
At least two shark attacks have occurred in California this year so far, at Montara Beach and Catalina Island, according to an online report. Surfers have previously been involved in attacks in Salmon Creek in October 2021 and May 2019.
The non-profit California White Shark Project reported that great white sharks are commonly seen in the area at this time of year.
“It’s not uncommon for them to be in that area this time of year,” said Paul Kanive, president of the organization. “The smaller sharks are transitioning to seals and sea lions. They’re gaining the experience of pinpointing their prey, so they’re more likely to make a mistake than adults that have decades of experience.”
