A rare encounter occurred off the coast of Long Island when an oceanic manta ray appeared, creating waves near Jones Beach State Park last week.
Captured on video, the giant sea creature made its presence known as it swam near the shoreline, drawing attention to a species not often witnessed in New York’s waters.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) notes that these majestic animals usually inhabit tropical and subtropical seas.
In a post highlighting this rare appearance, the department mentioned that sightings of this species can occasionally occur in New York during the warmer summer months.
Manta rays, known for their filter-feeding habits, utilize their expansive mouths to devour large quantities of zooplankton.
According to the DEC, the rays can also venture into deeper water to search for medium-sized fish.
The oceanic manta ray is the largest species of ray in the world and can reach enormous sizes.
Officials with the DEC said these animals can weigh more than 4,000 pounds and live as long as 40 years.
Despite their massive size, these rays aren’t considered a threat to humans.