Authorities in Scarborough, Maine, are alerting the public about a great white shark spotted near the coastline. The shark was first reported on Monday, August 8, near Richmond Island and Scarborough Beach. David Lancaster captured drone footage of the shark swimming close to the surface around 10 a.m. on Monday. The video clearly shows the shark's dorsal fin breaking the water's surface.

Police estimate the shark's length to be between 10 and 12 feet. It was later seen again on Tuesday morning near Higgins Beach and Pine Point Beach. The Scarborough Police Department is actively monitoring the situation and plans to provide further updates.

Marine Resource Officer Daryen Grenata emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the shark's presence. "I'm not sure that I would get on a paddleboard and paddle a mile offshore — I'm not sure that I would go swimming that far out," Grenata said. He noted that the shark is likely in the area due to the availability of food, as great white sharks primarily feed on marine mammals like seals.

While sightings of great white sharks in Maine are not common, they have been reported more frequently in recent years. Some scientists attribute this increase to the growing seal population in the region. The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File recorded 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites in 2024, with 28 occurring at U.S. beaches. Despite these incidents, the risk of a shark bite remains extremely low.

Great white sharks can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 4,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency also notes that there are nursery areas for juvenile great whites off the coasts of southern California and Long Island, New York.

Currently, there are no beach closures in effect, and park rangers are closely monitoring the waters. Police are sharing the drone footage to keep the community informed about the shark's presence.