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Shark sighting spreads panic on Amity Beach which was thought to be now safe. 

Authorities are now investigating the issue at hand.

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Shark sighting spreads panic on Amity Beach which was thought to be now safe.

Authorities are now investigating the issue at hand.

Killer Shark Caught off Amity Coast -- AKA: "The Meeting"

The alleged giant killer shark that has been blamed for two gruesomedeaths this week has been caught and killed, according to Amity Police ChiefMartin Brody. Local fisherman caught the beast in waters one mile south-west ofAmity. They will receive a $3,000 reward for their heroic and selfless efforts.

After the shark was brought ashore, it was inspected by MattHooper, a marine biologist from the Oceanographic Institute, who is one of the world’sforemost expert on sharks.

The captured shark was a nurse shark, which happens to bethe most brutal and dangerous of all sharks. Nurse sharks have been responsiblefor hundreds of swimmers’ deaths along the East Coast of the United States inrecent years.

Just yesterday, numerous Amity residents crowded in a small roomfor a town meeting to address the shark issue. Chief Brody told the mob thatthere will be extra summer deputies on duty and shark spotters on beaches.Although the beaches were to be closed, experts from the oceanographic Institutewere to check out the area.

Meanwhile, Ben quint, a fisherman with sharp blue eyes andash-colored sideburns, brought attention to the group. He was willing to goafter the killer fish, offering its carcass for a mere $10,000 reward.

The beaches will reopen immediately just in time for theFourth of July weekend. Chief Brody asserts that islanders and guests alikeshould not be alarmed by the presence of shark spotters from various governmentagencies in waters off of the coast.

“They are simply a safety precaution that we hope will putour visitors at ease,” Chief Brody said. Residents are encouraged to swim andhave fun for the holiday weekend.

“While law enforcement officials urge vigilance on the partof all citizens, we believe we can safely say that the danger of further sharkattacks has probably passed,” Chief Brody said. “Amity’s darkest days arebehind us.”

Any shark sightings should immediately be reported to authoritiesat a toll-free shark hotline, 1-800-Shark-See.

“We wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.”

Sharks in New Hampshire Waters

There are over 450 species of sharks in New England waters year-round. Some are seasonal visitors, while others stay

put for the year. Are New Hampshire waters safe enough for swimming? First, let’s look at the shark facts.

Generally, there are about five shark species throughout the world that are responsible for shark attacks. Albeit only three of these species ever occasionally visit New England. Great White sharks have a specific habitat that they use in the Cape Cod area. Generally, great white sharks are not off the NH coast, because water temperatures are too cold.

Tiger sharks and bull sharks are occasional visitors to southern New England, yet their presence is so negligible, it is almost not worth mentioning. Blue sharks are the most common sharks in the area, which have been spotted off the NH coast. Blue sharks, which can be large, do not feed on mammals. Instead, they feed on mackerel, blue fish, stripe bass, and squid.

Sharks most commonly mistaken for great whites are basking sharks, which are the second largest sharks in the world. They have dorsal fins, but are very low-key and primarily eat plankton.

If shark bites ever do happen off the NH coast, it is probably a dog fish. If there are fish in the area with bathers, dogfish may pursue, and someone may be accidentally bitten. The bite will be painful, but not life threatening.

However, there’s good news. Shark attacks in New Hampshire are almost absolute zero. “Your drive to the beach is more likely to kill you than getting bitten by a shark,” said Tony LaCasse, the media relations director and spokesman at Boston’s New England Aquarium.

LaCasse mentions not to get on flotation devices and surfboards that look like the silhouette of a large seal or sea lion. “If you’re in an area where there are great white sharks, and you see a seal in the water, don’t swim,” LaCasse said. “That’s a potential preferred diet item of sharks and that can draw them into the area.”

One should not swim when visibility is low, such as dusk and dawn. Additionally, any shiny or metallic items should not be worn while swimming, as they may attract unwanted attention.

“If you’re in shark area, don’t swim in deep water by yourself.” LaCasse said. If one is alone in deep water, it is a lot easier to die because of blood loss, shock, panic, and the inability to get back ashore. Moreover, more swimmers in the water make it unlikely that a shark will engage in an attack.

What Do College Students Want Most for the Holidays?

Holidays bring many things for students around the country: stress from exams, sickness from lack of sleep, lots of studying, endless term papers, and one glimpse of hope — winter break. From scrumptious food to no classes, some students at UNH decided that they really wanted to just relax over their break, while getting back together with their families, over materialistic traditions.

Emily Hann, also a senior, dual-majoring in English and French, is more conservative on holidays. Instead, she is geared for rest and bonding with those closest to her. “I’m pretty sure my greatest wish is for relaxation time,” said Hann, “but I’m happiest about it when we’re between semesters. Then, I don’t have to feel guilty about leaving school and being lazy with my mom and my freinds.”

Leena Boretos, a senior majoring in English, prefers books or gift certificates during the holiday season. “Books are great presents, because they allow two people to bond through the story of somebody else that they might mutually enjoy,” Boretos said.

Alexa Price, a senior and a history major, wishes her Christmas gift is aid in financial hardship. “Currently I’m broke, and I want my parents to help me pay graduate school application fees and such,” Price said.

Ryan Evelyn, a sophomore dual-majoring in French and international affairs, feels more charitable. The holiday spirit enlightens him to give his sister more courage to survive high school. “I love her too much to see anything go wrong,” Evelyn said.

Winter break consists of a six week period, where there is a January term for students to take extra courses. The time timeframe also allows students to leave campus for the entire duration of break to celebrate holidays, enjoy time with family, and rest after a strenuous semester.

Over the past couple weeks that follow Thanksgiving, UNH students are buckling down to get assignments done, prep for tests, and possibly procrastinate. The Dimond Library has been crowded with students and faculty alike rushing to complete the semester. It is surprising that students are not apt to wish for good grades for the holidays while plaguing professors with secret Santa bribes.

Another semester is at a close, and students and faculty are on their way for a white powdered holiday.