A massive great white shark, the world’s largest, has been spotted near the Canadian coast following an incredible 845-mile journey. This 14-foot predator, weighing a whopping 1,653 pounds, was recently tracked just 7 miles off the Quebec shore on Monday morning.
The shark, known as “Contender,” is 30 years old and has been consistently moving at an impressive rate of 11.5 miles per day, according to OCEARCH, a non-profit organization focused on marine animal research. Contender was last detected on July 18 as he made his way towards Martha’s Vineyard, a popular destination for the rich and famous.
Recent data from OCEARCH shows that Contender has now ventured into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, positioned north of Anticosti Island, still about 7 miles away from the Quebec coastline. Since July 18, the shark has traveled approximately 845 miles, maintaining an average daily movement of 11.5 miles.
An expert from OCEARCH reported that Contender’s recent location shift indicates a preference for Atlantic Canada during this time of year. While it remains uncertain where the shark will head next, there is a possibility he may start moving south by mid-October.
White sharks like Contender are known to be opportunistic hunters, adapting their movements to exploit abundant prey resources. As the water temperature drops and days shorten, these sharks typically begin their southern migration by mid-October. The ongoing research on white sharks, including Contender, contributes to a better understanding of their geographic range and habitat preferences.
The tracking data on Contender provides valuable insights into the behavior and migration patterns of these majestic creatures, shedding light on their movements and ecological role in the marine environment.