Bull Sharks Spotted Off Panama City Beach

Bull Shark file photo. Credit: NOAA.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Florida - Red and purple flags are flying at lifeguard stations on Panama City Beach after a notable presence of sharks, specifically bull sharks, were spotted near the first sandbar on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The Panama City Beach Police Department, in cooperation with the Bay County Sheriff's Office, conducted a comprehensive aerial search of the coastline using the Sheriff's Office helicopter after a woman and two teenagers were injured in two separate shark attacks in nearby Walton County, Florida.

Credit: Panama City Beach Police Department

As a precaution, single red flags and purple flags wete flown to indicate the presence of dangerous marine life. 

When fully grown, bull sharks reach 7 to 11 feet in length and weigh between 200 and 300 pounds.

In addition to the great white shark and tiger shark, bull sharks are considered one of the “big three” shark species by the International Shark Attack File that inflict serious injuries or death to humans.

Bull sharks are one of the few species of sharks that can live in both fresh and saltwater.

Florida accounted for 44% of all shark attacks in the U.S. and 23% of the world’s total in 2023, according to the University of Florida International Shark Attack File (ISAF) 2023 Worldwide Shark Attack Summary.