Teeth marks show young shark’s head was gripped in larger predator’s jaws, experts say

A young white shark caught off Rhode Island bore evidence of being gripped in the jaws of a much-larger predator, and experts believe they know what it was, according to the Atlantic Shark Institute.

The encounter left the shark with a chunk of meat missing from the top of its head, photos show.

“Tooth marks were visible on the top and bottom of the head,” the institute wrote on Facebook. “Our shark had a run-in with another aggressive shark.”

Researchers didn’t speculate about the species involved. The region is home to at least 10 shark species, and white sharks are among the largest at a potential 21 feet, according to NOAA Fisheries.

White sharks are known to feast on gray seals off New England. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat other sharks if the chance presents itself, according to Oceana.

In this case, the young shark either escaped or was released by the larger predator.

“It’s a young-of-the-year (neonate) white shark, which reinforces the crucial role of (Rhode Island) waters as habitat for young white sharks in the North Atlantic,” the institute wrote.

Sharks are known to have amazing healing abilities, and their wounds can vanish within months, experts say.

The wounded shark was caught and tagged Aug. 25 by crew on the fishing vessel Estela Domar, which is a partner in the institute’s shark research.

This story was originally published September 11, 2024 at 7:15 AM with the headline "Teeth marks show young shark’s head was gripped in larger predator’s jaws, experts say."