A surfer was injured Friday morning after a shark attack at Salmon Creek in Sonoma County, adding to a growing list of incidents along Northern California’s rugged coastline.
The unidentified surfer was in the water at North Salmon Creek, just north of San Francisco, when the bite occurred. While officials have not confirmed the species involved, experts say the location and time of year strongly point to a great white shark, which is commonly found along the North Coast during seasonal migrations.
According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the surfer managed to get out of the water without assistance and was later transported to a hospital with injuries to their hand. Photos released by authorities show multiple puncture marks on the surfer’s board, indicating the shark made contact with both the rider and the equipment. The injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Deputies and marine units were already in the area at the time of the incident, allowing emergency responders to downgrade their response. The surfer initially declined treatment at the scene before heading to the hospital on their own.
Shark researchers note that encounters like this are more likely in late fall and winter, when younger great white sharks move closer to shore as they transition their diet to seals and sea lions. These juvenile sharks are more prone to exploratory bites as they learn to identify prey.
Salmon Creek has seen previous shark-related incidents involving surfers, with reported encounters in both 2019 and 2021. Officials have not announced any beach closures but urge ocean users to remain aware of conditions and wildlife activity.