On the Fourth of July, there were multiple shark bite incidents in both Texas and Florida. In South Padre Island, Texas, three people were bitten by a shark in two separate incidents, marking an unprecedented occurrence in the area. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, with one person suffering a severe bite to the leg. Lifeguards urged beachgoers to stay out of the water or stay in knee-deep areas as a precaution.
In Florida, a 21-year-old man visiting from Ohio was bitten by a shark while playing football in knee-deep water in New Smyrna Beach. He was also taken to the hospital, though his injuries were not considered life-threatening. The risk of shark attacks in the United States is relatively small, with only 36 unprovoked attacks recorded nationwide in the previous year, resulting in two fatalities.
Authorities in South Padre Island located and pushed the shark involved in the incidents out to deeper waters, and there were no further sightings after the incident. It was reported that the shark encounters were likely cases of mistaken identity as sharks search for food. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department mentioned that shark attacks of this nature are uncommon in Texas. Both cities expressed support for the injured individuals and their families, hoping for their quick recovery.
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