Why there’s ‘no point’ hunting down shark behind fatal Sydney attack

A man was killed by a shark at a Sydney beach yesterday, in the city’s first fatal shark attack in almost 60 years.

The shark struck at Little Bay Beach, just metres from other swimmers, just after 4.30pm.

Four ambulances and a rescue helicopter attended, but the victim, who had suffered “catastrophic injuries”, could not be saved.

The victim has not yet been identified and the search for the shark is ongoing.

All beaches in the Randwick Local Government area are closed as a precaution swimmers are urged to stay out of the water in Sydney’s east.

Marine biologist with the Humane Society International, Lawrence Chlebeck, says the animal was “probably” a great white shark.

But he says there’s “no point” hunting it down.

“These animals are opportunistic feeders,” Mr Chlebeck said.

“It probably would have been petty disappointed by the type of meal he was getting if he was used to seals and things like that.

“There’s no assumption to be made that this animal would be targeting humans.”

Warmer water temperatures may lead to more shark encounters in Australia.

“Certain species including the bull and the tiger shark, which can potentially be aggressive, like those warmer temperatures,” Mr Chlebeck said.

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Image: Nine