In July, people who have access to the Discovery Channel can indulge in Shark Week. However, now that it’s over, how can you get your daily dose of sharks? Luckily, those in San Diego have the remainder of the summer until early winter for shark viewing! Leopard sharks will be swimming along the shallow waters of La Jolla Shores for the next few months.
Leopard Sharks in La Jolla Shores
Whether you’re a life-long San Diegan or are a visitor exploring the gems San Diego has to offer, now is your chance to catch sight of the hundreds of leopard sharks at La Jolla. Right now, pregnant leopard sharks are appearing in large numbers on these shores. This is thanks to a reduction of wave height, warmer water this time of year, and a deepwater canyon providing an abundant amount of squid for the leopard sharks to feed on.
Leopard Shark Migration
Leopard shark migrations happen yearly, and La Jolla Shores is their preferred place to mate and hatch their offspring. These beautiful sharks can be found all along the Pacific Coast from Oregon (U.S), all the way down to Mazatlán (Mexico). They are no bigger than 5ft and have slender bodies. Their main characteristic identification is the spotted “saddle-like” leopard pattern.
The sharks that we’re seeing this year are probably the same ones from last year. The same individuals come back year after year. This is what you call philopatry, which means home-living. They come back every year, so if you miss out on this year, don’t worry! You can always plan to see them next year!
Do Leopard Sharks Attack Humans?
These mid-sized coastal sharks actually try to avoid humans. Of course, if you give them a reason to attack, they will defend themselves, “If you happen to corner them or if you were to grab them and make them feel threatened, they’re going to defend themselves if they can’t get away, and the only way they can do that is with their mouth,” says Nosal, an environmental and ocean sciences professor at the University of San Diego. La Jolla Shores is a marine protected area, so you legally can’t touch them. As fellow ocean lovers, we recognize how important it is to respect sea life and their underwater home. So as long as you’re not disturbing them in any way, you won’t have to worry about an attack.
Best Ways to View Leopard Sharks
Now that the leopard sharks are in La Jolla, you should take the chance to see them for yourself. While viewing them from afar is nice, the best way to see them is by hiring a professional guide who is an expert in this area. Trident Divers offers guided snorkeling and scuba tours at La Jolla Ecological Preserve! Snorkeling within the reserve is an extraordinary family experience that every La Jolla visitor should try at least once in their lifetime. The best time to see leopard sharks is around the end of August and September! Don’t miss your chance to see them this year! Book your snorkeling or scuba tour today by calling (619) 415-9426 or clicking here.
