5 Critical Facts About Great White Shark Sightings Near Scarborough, Maine: What You Need To Know For Summer 2025

The presence of great white sharks in the waters off Scarborough, Maine, is no longer a rare anomaly but a documented seasonal reality, demanding a new level of awareness from beachgoers and marine enthusiasts. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the trend of these apex predators moving further north into the Gulf of Maine continues, driven by warming waters and a booming seal population. This article breaks down the most recent, critical information regarding the high-profile sightings near Scarborough's most popular beaches, detailing the scientific context, safety protocols, and what the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is reporting about the increasing number of unique sharks detected in New England waters.

The specific incident that put Scarborough on high alert involved a confirmed sighting near the southern tip of Richmond Island and Scarborough Beach, prompting immediate safety warnings from local authorities. This event, which occurred during the peak summer season, serves as a stark reminder that the seasonal migration patterns of *Carcharodon carcharias* now regularly include the sandy shores of Southern Maine, from Ogunquit to Saco Bay, making up-to-date knowledge essential for enjoying the coastline safely.

The Rising Tide: Great White Shark Activity in Southern Maine (2020–2025)

The narrative of great white sharks in Maine has shifted dramatically over the past five years. Before 2020, sightings were considered highly unusual. Today, they are a predictable feature of the late summer and early fall marine ecosystem. This change is not due to a sudden, random influx, but a well-documented northward expansion of the species’ migratory range, primarily from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, into the northern reaches of the Gulf of Maine.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Fact 1: The Scarborough Sighting—Richmond Island and Higgins Beach

The most specific and impactful recent event for the Scarborough community involved a large shark spotted in the waters off Richmond Island. On a key date in the summer of 2025, the Scarborough Marine Resource Officer received a report of a large shark near the island and the popular Scarborough Beach area. Further reports and drone footage confirmed the presence of what officials believed to be a great white shark.

• Location Details: The shark was seen swimming off the southern end of Richmond Island, in close proximity to Higgins Beach and Scarborough Beach State Park.
• Estimated Size: Drone video footage estimated the size of the great white shark to be substantial, ranging from 10 to 12 feet long.
• Public Safety Response: The Scarborough Public Safety Team immediately issued a public warning, urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution in the area, particularly near the Saco Bay coastline.

This incident highlights the reality that sharks are now frequenting the shallow waters of Southern Maine, often following the movements of their primary food source: seals.

Fact 2: Unprecedented Numbers Detected by Maine DMR

The increase in sightings is scientifically validated by the state's marine research efforts. The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), in partnership with organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, has ramped up its monitoring program.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• 93 Unique Sharks: Between mid-2020 and the end of 2024, the DMR identified 93 individual great white sharks swimming through the Gulf of Maine.
• New Study Data: A more recent study published in *Frontiers in Marine Science* by New England-based scientists indicated an even higher number, documenting 107 different great white sharks visiting Maine waters.
• Acoustic Receiver Network: This data is collected through a network of acoustic receivers deployed along the coastline, which detect the electronic tags placed on tagged sharks. In 2023, 13 sharks were detected across 29 days, and by late 2024, seven unique sharks were recorded by new receivers.

The data confirms that the Gulf of Maine is an increasingly vital part of the great white shark's annual migration route, with hotspots emerging in areas like Bailey Island, Hermit Island, and the various beaches of Saco Bay.

The Science Behind the Northern Migration

To understand why these powerful predators are now consistently appearing near popular beaches like Crescent Beach State Park and Pine Point, one must look at two primary environmental factors: water temperature and prey availability.

Fact 3: The Seal Population Boom is the Primary Catalyst

The primary driver for great white shark presence is the exponential growth of the grey seal population along the New England coast. These seals, once hunted almost to extinction, are now thriving thanks to federal protections. The dense colonies on islands and rocky outcrops, such as those near Cape Elizabeth and further north, provide a reliable, high-calorie food source for migrating sharks.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The sharks follow the seals, and as the seals move closer to shore to feed in areas like the mouths of rivers or near beaches, the sharks follow suit. The tragic 2020 fatal shark attack off Bailey Island in Harpswell, which involved a woman swimming near a large seal colony, served as a grim confirmation of this feeding pattern in Maine's northern waters.

Fact 4: Climate Change and Warming Waters

The Gulf of Maine is recognized as one of the fastest-warming bodies of water on the planet. This increase in ocean temperature plays a significant role in extending the time frame during which great white sharks remain in the region. Traditionally, sharks would only be present during the warmest late-summer months. Now, data indicates white sharks occur in the region from early summer through the fall, often staying longer into the season. The prolonged warm-water period allows the sharks to spend more time hunting and foraging along the Maine coastline, increasing the probability of human encounters near coastal towns like Kennebunk, Ogunquit, and Scarborough.

Essential Safety Protocols for Scarborough Beachgoers

While the risk of a shark encounter remains statistically low, the increased frequency of sightings necessitates a heightened level of caution. The Scarborough Police Department and local marine resource officers consistently advise the public to adhere to specific safety guidelines, especially when visiting popular spots like Higgins Beach or swimming near the mouth of the Nonesuch River.

Fact 5: How to Minimize Risk at Southern Maine Beaches

Local authorities, in conjunction with the AWSC and DMR, emphasize that awareness is the best defense. Following these protocols can significantly reduce the potential for an interaction:

• Avoid Swimming Near Seals: This is the most critical rule. Seals are the great white shark's primary prey. If seals are present on a nearby rock, sandbar, or in the water, exit the water immediately.
• Stay Close to Shore: Sharks are often sighted near drop-offs or deeper water, but the majority of attacks occur relatively close to shore. Avoid swimming or paddling far from the beach.
• Avoid Low-Light Times: Do not swim at dawn or dusk, as these are peak feeding times for seals and, consequently, for great white sharks.
• Do Not Wear Shiny Jewelry: The flash of jewelry can resemble the glint of fish scales, potentially attracting unwanted attention.
• Heed Local Warnings: Always pay attention to flags, signage, and announcements from the Scarborough Public Safety Team and Marine Patrol. A large shark spotted near Scarborough Beach State Park or Crescent Beach will result in temporary closures or advisories.

The consistent appearance of great white sharks in the Saco Bay area, confirmed by research from the Maine DMR and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, firmly establishes Scarborough, Maine, as part of the seasonal great white shark habitat. Understanding the "why"—the growing seal population and warming Gulf of Maine waters—is key to safely coexisting with these magnificent, powerful creatures during the peak summer months of 2025 and beyond.