Daytona Beach, Florida - As snowbirds flock to Daytona Beach for the winter, they have unexpected company - great white sharks. According to OCEARCH, a 13-foot, 1,437-pound great white shark named Breton was recently sighted near Jacksonville Beach, marking its migration further south.

In addition to Breton, another great white shark was pinged along Daytona Beach in early November. This shark, measuring 10 feet and weighing 460 pounds, highlights the increasing presence of these predators in the area.

Dr. Bob Hueter, OCEARCH Senior Advisor for Science & Academics, explained that this time of year is a hot spot for shark activity along the Florida coast. He compared their migration to that of winter snowbirds, stating, "As the temperatures drop up north in the fall, the sharks start heading south. We currently have approximately a dozen species on the move, with the great white shark being the most prominent."

The migration of these sharks typically begins around mid-October and lasts through November, sometimes extending into early December. By early December, the sharks are usually found off the southeast coast of Florida, including the Florida East Coast. From there, many of them continue their journey around the Florida Keys and into the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

During their migration, the great white sharks prefer to stay offshore, anywhere from one to 100 miles away from the coastline. This behavior helps ensure the safety of both humans and the sharks themselves.

For those interested in learning more about the sharks' migration patterns and the ongoing research conducted by OCEARCH, the podcast Talk to Tom is a valuable resource. Listeners can download the podcast on their preferred platform or watch it on News 6+. Hosted by Chief Meteorologist Tom Sorrells, the podcast delves into the fascinating world of these ocean predators and the efforts being made to understand and protect them.

As great white sharks continue their southern migration, residents and visitors along Florida's coast are reminded to exercise caution while enjoying the waters. By understanding these magnificent creatures and their behaviors, we can ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and marine life.