The Year Great-White Sharks Took Over Maine
More and more people have spotted them this season, but no one knows exactly why—or what to do.
The year 2020 marked the first fatal shark attack in Maine, as the state's great-white shark population has been steadily increasing. In recent weeks, the frequency of sightings has surged, leading to the temporary closure of several beaches in Phippsburg, Wells, and Biddeford. Lifeguard Greg Wilfert reported that as many as 15 great whites were seen swimming near Pine Point Beach in a 48-hour span, prompting the use of drones to deter the sharks, which were reportedly chased away by jet skis.
Scientists attribute the rise in sightings to climate change, which has expanded the sharks' range northward, as well as conservation efforts since the 1990s and an abundance of prey, including striped bass and seals. However, determining the exact increase in the shark population is challenging due to the prevalence of recreational drone use.
Lifeguard Wilfert, who has been on the job for 55 years, admitted he had never seen a shark before the recent encounter, while noting that he no longer ventures as far into the water. A woman, a lobsterman, also expressed little concern about the shark sightings, stating that she does not care and is not worried.
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