Atlantic’s largest male great white Contender likely heading toward this popular summer getaway

Key Points:

• The largest male great white shark tagged by OCEARCH in the Atlantic, named Contender, weighing nearly 1,700 pounds and measuring almost 14 feet, is potentially moving toward Cape Cod's coast.
• Contender, tagged in January 2025, has traveled over 7,000 miles along the North Atlantic and recent Z-pings indicate he has been active near the Outer Banks of North Carolina and may be heading north to Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada for summer foraging.
• Cape Cod and Atlantic Canada offer ideal conditions for white sharks during summer, including comfortable water temperatures and abundant prey such as seals and large fish.
• With Cape Cod attracting millions of beachgoers amid a Northeast heatwave, officials advise caution as sharks may mistake swimmers for prey, especially during low visibility times like dusk or night.
• Safety recommendations include swimming in groups, avoiding swimming at dusk or night, staying close to shore, and following beach signs and lifeguard instructions.