Massive shark near kayak captured on video at Panama City Beach

[Kennah]

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/03/massive_shark_near_kayak_captu.html

Perhaps the most talked-about video from the Gulf Coast today has been the sighting last week of a basking shark near the Russell-Fields Pier in Panama City.

The approximately 15-foot shark seemed even more massive when seen in proximity to the kayaker who went out into the water for a closer look.

Basking sharks are the second-largest living shark, after the whale shark. Normally found in temperate oceans, they have been known to migrate into warmer-water areas like the Gulf of Mexico, though rarely.

Although they have cavernous mouths, spring breakers splashing in the water don't need to fear them. They filter feed on plankton and other small marine life. And this one reportedly swam away and hasn't been seen since the kayaker reached out to touch it.

*****************************

Supposed to be about a 30 foot basking shark, which is a filter feeder.

I've seen one shark in the wild, a nurse shark, it was swimming about 30 feet below me when I was snorkeling in the Florida Keys.

I am both fascinated and frightened by sharks, and it would be way cool to see a large filter feeder up close, but I can't say that I would go in after it.

I posted this here because the Shark forum is down.

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. shark forum?

[The Straight Story]

2. It is too blurry to identify. Could be a UFO, or swamp gas

:)

[Matariki]

7. oh!

:rofl:

[Texasgal]

3. Wait...we have a shark forum?

I had no idea!

[shireen]

5. awesome! I love sharks!

We definitely need a forum for sharks!

:D

[2Design]

4. been on the news for about two weeks - just saying

[theophilus]

6. Could it be a whale shark? Big but harmless.....n/t

[theoldman]

8. I once saw a photo of a kayak and a great white shark.

Fortunately for the guy in the boat, the shark was not hungry.

[Sal Minella]

9. I don't think it's a shark.

It's just black light reflected in the water. Or something.

[Dappleganger]

10. Sweet!

I have always wished to encounter one of these amazing creatures IRL. In contrast, we have had a few (four was the last number being reported) great white sightings off of Jekyll Island and surrounding area. The right whales have had an unusually busy birthing season (great news, yay) and apparently the great whites are hoping to score.

Ah, Nature you're so cruel. :(

[stuntcat]

11. LOVE sharks

oh I love sharks :loveya: I'd totally post in the shark forum!

wish I could brag and say I'd seen one out in the water, I've only seen them in aquariums.

[Kennah]

12. Follow the link to the story ...

... and there's a video showing more.

Filter feeder or not, my butthole woulda slammed shut.

[Kennah]

13. And we REALLY do need a shark forum!

[mod mom]

16. really...DU is soooo lame w/o a shark forum.

;)

[DefenseLawyer]

14. Knock knock knock. Pizza guy... knock knock knock... pizza guy...

[demwing]

15. Candygram... /nt

[mod mom]

17. Any Morphine fans? "Sharks Patrol these Waters"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0dTSY3J8lw

[Blue_Tires]

18. i think that's just an attorney on vacation...