Rumors of Shark Bite After Man’s Injury at Ocean County Beach

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Rumors of Shark Bite After Man's Injury at Ocean County Beach

According to Long Beach Township Police Department a swimmer on Long Beach Island was hospitalized after he was stabbed in the leg over the weekend, presumably by a needlefish.

A news release, which was issued stated that Long Beach Township police arrived on the beachfront near 19th Street at approximately 11:39 a.m. on Saturday to assist the Barnegat Light Beach Patrol with an injured swimmer.

The individual had a minor leg injury while swimming close to the beach on 9th Street. For treatment, he was brought to Southern Ocean Medical Center.

Are there sharks at the Jersey Shore? Check Out the Shark Tracker.

The Barnegat Light First Aid Squad reported that afternoon that the incident seemed to have been caused by a needlefish, despite initial reports of a shark bite.

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection states that bays, estuaries, and coastal waters are home to Atlantic needlefish. They spend a lot of time near the surface and leap out of the water to chase small fish, and they eat shrimp and small fish.

They have extended jaws with sharp fangs and a long, slender body up to 24 inches long.

Although it is uncommon, needlefish have occasionally killed or seriously harmed humans. Despite their lack of aggression, needlefish can be harmful due to their speed and propensity to jump out of the water.