“When the ocean is calm and the ducks fall near the boat, it is common practice to send a dog into the ocean to retrieve the waterfowl,” the anonymous hunter wrote in an email.

 

“I was very close to shore, in about 20 feet of water, and my dog was only in the water for a matter of minutes.”

 

“It happened so quickly and was so shocking that even though I was looking right at her when it happened, I cannot say for certain what type of shark it was. Pepper resurfaced and struggled towards the boat where I was able to haul her to safety. I returned to the shore, shaken and shocked at this horrible loss.”

Assessment: Although this may be the first incident of its kind in Canada, attacks on pets have occurred elsewhere. Sounds and vibrations produced by the boat occupants, flailing or bleeding birds in the water, and the commotion produced by a dog jumping into the water and swimming could have drawn the attention of a nearby white shark, which is a species known to investigate such activity. October is also prime season for white sharks migrating off the coast of Nova Scotia as they head back south to warmer winter waters from South Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico.

Recommendation: Be aware that white sharks now remain in the St. Lawrence and Maritime provinces well into November. Longer seasonal residency by white sharks may have become the new norm due to the ongoing changes brought about by climate change. Also avoid letting blood flow into the water, repeated splashing or thrashing at the surface during the seasonal migration of white sharks in Canadian waters.

 Click here for more boating recommendations.

References:
¹ Owner left shocked after watching his dog get attacked by shark in N.S. waters. 19.11.2023. Online.