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Wild Animals

Surfer Gets Attacked By Shark, Drives Himself To The Hospital

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A surfer drove himself to the hospital after getting bitten by a shark while swimming in Northern California. The incident happened on December 12.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) said in a news release that a shark attacked an unidentified surfer at North Salmon Creek. They managed to escape the animal and get back to shore. That's where they got help from first responders.

"The Marine Unit located the surfer on shore after they had gotten themselves out of the water," said the SCSO. "Because the Marine Unit was already on scene, Sonoma County Fire 8880 was able to downgrade its response to Code 2."

According to authorities, the surfer didn't sustain life-threatening injuries. In fact, they declined an ambulance to the hospital. Instead, they drove themselves. I guess it makes sense when you factor in how much that costs these days.

Surfer Drives Himself To Hospital

"Medics spoke with the surfer, who declined medical treatment at the scene before ultimately transporting themselves to the hospital," added the SCSO.

Police are unsure what the species of the shark involved in the attack was. Witness Alex Valentin told The San Francisco Standard that the attack happened on Friday morning. He witnessed paramedics treating the surfer and was glad things weren't more serious.

"I'm really glad I didn't paddle out. I'm praying for the guy, hoping it was just a nibble and he's back in the water soon," Valentin told the outlet.
It's not the first shark attack in California this year. Earlier this year, there had been attacks at Montara Beach and Catalina Island. In fact, there have even been reports of great white sharks at this time of year. The non-profit California White Shark Project confirmed such sightings.

"It's not uncommon for them to be in that area this time of year," said Paul Kanive, president of the organization. "The smaller sharks are transitioning to seals and sea lions. They're gaining the experience of pinpointing their prey, so they're more likely to make a mistake than adults that have decades of experience."