NORTH CAROLINA — Just weeks into the new year, North Carolina already has its first report of a shark bite.
The National Park Service said a 26-year-old surfer had bites on his foot, but he is expected to be OK. It happened Monday off Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
[ ALSO READ: NC teen who lost leg in shark attack, dad open up in emotional interview ]
Last year, four people were bitten by sharks off the North Carolina coast.
This included Paige Winter, who was bitten while swimming at Atlantic Beach. Her father used his firefighter training to save her life.
[ ALSO READ: 'I felt something grab my leg': Teen surfer bitten by shark at Ocean Isle Beach ]
She lost several fingers and part of her leg, but continued to be an advocate for sharks during her recovery.
According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been 64 shark attacks along the North Carolina coast since 1933.
This browser does not support the video element.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- ‘This is justice’: Man convicted of murder at 14 to walk free 20 years later
- CAUGHT ON VIDEO: School bus driver suspended after outburst toward students
- CMPD: Three in custody after carjacking in south Charlotte leads to police chase
- FORECAST: Temps nearly 20 degrees above average; more rain in store
- ‘A huge sense of relief’: CMPD assistant chief retires after more than 28 years of service