Species Sharks & RaysGreat White Shark

Great White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

RareShark & Ray
Illustration of Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Safety note: One of the few sharks considered potentially dangerous to people. Never enter the water where great whites are hunting, and observe only from a safe distance.

The largest predatory fish on Earth and the ocean's most famous shark, reaching over 20 feet. It ambushes prey with a burst of speed from below. Despite its reputation, attacks on people are rare and usually a case of mistaken identity.

Habitat
Cool and temperate coastal waters, especially near seal and sea lion colonies on both US coasts.
Diet
Seals, sea lions, fish, and other sharks; scavenges whale carcasses.
How common
Rare

Recent Great White Shark sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Great White Shark? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes - building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck - free

Get an alert when a Great White Shark is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love sharks & rays? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - free, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More sharks & rays

Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
Nurse Shark
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Sand Tiger Shark
Sand Tiger Shark
Carcharias taurus
Shortfin Mako
Shortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchus
Southern Stingray
Southern Stingray
Hypanus americanus
Spiny Dogfish
Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
Spotted Eagle Ray
Spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Tiger Shark
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier