Watch: Horde of hungry spinner sharks rips through massive bait ball off New York coast
Just 125 yards off the Hamptons coast, a shiver of more than 50 spinner sharks found easy pickings in the Atlantic as they descended on a massive bait ball.
Drone video captures jaw-dropping Shark swarm off Hamptons coast
SHARK FEEDING FRENZY 🦈: A group of sharks swarmed a school of fish off the coast of Water Mill, New York, with drone footage capturing more than a dozen predators slicing through their prey in jaw-dropping video.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Dozens of sharks swarm baitfish in a spectacular feeding frenzy.
- The action unfolded just offshore in the Hamptons.
- Spinner sharks are generally not considered a threat to humans.
WATER MILL, New York – Dinner was served: Dozens of spinner sharks found an easy meal when they zeroed in on a massive bait ball off the New York coast.
Just 125 yards off the Hamptons coast, more than 50 spinner sharks swarmed a massive school of baitfish, creating a jaw-dropping display of nature in action captured by one lucky drone operator.
Drone footage captured dozens of spinner sharks swarming a school of baitfish just 125 yards off the coast of the Hamptons in a spectacular summer feeding frenzy. (Joanna Steidle via Storyful)
In Water Mill, a seaside hamlet on Long Island, spinner sharks are just another summer visitor to the popular tourist destination, drawn close to shore by warmer waters and abundant schools of baitfish.
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The massive school of Atlantic menhaden seemed to be enjoying the summer waters—until an estimated 50-plus predator zeroed in, turning their peaceful swim into a fight for survival.
Spinner sharks are fast, streamlined predators that primarily eat small fish like sardines, anchovies, menhaden and bluefish. (Joanna Steidle via Storyful)
"Twenty-four spinner sharks in one midheight frame, that’s a personal record," drone operator Doanna Steidle said, adding that she spotted at "least 56" from a higher vantage point.
The chaotic scene was classic spinner shark behavior.
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The predators race through baitfish, snapping at prey and sometimes launching into the air as they spin, and although they may gather in large numbers to feed, each shark is hunting for itself.
Spinner sharks are named for their signature move: They spin through schools of baitfish and can launch up to 20 feet into the air while feeding. (Joanna Steidle via Storyful)
Although the sight of roughly 50 sharks close to a popular tourist beach may be jarring, beachgoers have little reason to panic, as spinner sharks are not considered a significant threat to humans and rarely bite.