A 19-year-old man was bitten by a shark Sunday evening while wading in waist-deep water in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, according to officials with Volusia County Beach Safety.
Mathew Cornell of Sanford was bitten on the calf, which caused lacerations, but not life-threatening injuries, officials said.
The man was treated at the scene just north of the Flagler Avenue beach approach, then went to a hospital in his car, officials said.
According to Volusia County Beach Safety, Sunday's incident was the first shark bite in Volusia County for the year.
“Despite their toothsome reputation, most sharks are harmless to humans,” according to the SeaWorld Orlando blog.
Scientists said attacks probably occur when a shark mistakes a human for another animal that suits its palate.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
With the largest team in the state, the AJC reports what’s really going on with your tax dollars and your elected officials. Subscribe today. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.
Your subscription to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.