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HATTERAS ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the largest great white sharks that researchers have ever documented in the Atlantic is swimming its way to a popular vacation spot.
Named “Contender,” the nearly 14-foot-long behemoth was first tagged in January by OCEARCH, a non-profit organization that collects data on large marine animals and follows hundreds of sharks across the U.S. and Canada. The massive shark was first tracked about 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, near Jacksonville.
Scientists keep tabs on the shark’s whereabouts through a signal that transmits when its dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface.
Researchers tagged the great white shark named ‘Contender’ near the Florida-Georgia coast in January 2025. (Courtesy: OCEARCH) Researchers tagged the great white shark named ‘Contender’ near the Florida-Georgia coast in January 2025. (Courtesy: OCEARCH) Researchers tagged the great white shark named ‘Contender’ near the Florida-Georgia coast in January 2025. (Courtesy: OCEARCH)
After vanishing off the radar for several weeks, “Contender” reemerged close to the North Carolina tourist area of Pamlico Sound. The latest ping of its location sounded just before 5 p.m. on June 7.
Researchers’ tracking map shows the enormous shark has been heading north for the last few weeks. The shark’s last ping came on May 21 as it surfaced further south along the state’s coastline.
Measuring at a staggering 13 feet and nine inches long, “Contender” is estimated to be approximately 30 years old and weighs close to 1,653 pounds. Scientists said they believe the shark’s brief disappearance coincided with a vital feeding period, allowing it to stock up on energy before embarking on a long journey.
Researchers tagged the great white shark named ‘Contender’ near the Florida-Georgia coast in January 2025. (Courtesy: OCEARCH) Researchers tagged the great white shark named ‘Contender’ near the Florida-Georgia coast in January 2025. (Courtesy: OCEARCH)
“This time of year, white sharks are starting their late spring/early summer migration, moving from their southern overwintering area to their summer/fall foraging areas in the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada,” said Dr. Harley Newton, the chief scientist and veterinarian at OCEARCH. “We often see the sharks on our global shark tracker spend a period of time off the Outer Banks right before they move north, which is what white shark ‘Contender’ appears to be doing.”
“This may be due to rich food resources in the region and would serve as a time to feed and prepare before what may be a journey of 1,000 miles or more,” she added.
The OCEARCH website describes “Contender” as “the ultimate ocean warrior” and a “mature male” specimen.
