A Wednesday surf session at Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park ended in a shark bite and a hospital run, after off-duty lifeguards pulled an injured surfer from the water and began emergency care. The man was taken to a local hospital, and officials have not released his condition.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California State Parks said the attack occurred at about 5:18 PM Wednesday. Three off-duty lifeguards helped get the surfer out of the water and reported he had been bitten on both legs. As a precaution, the parks service temporarily closed nearby beaches for Thursday and Friday and reminded visitors that sharks are a natural part of the coastal ecosystem and that encounters with people are uncommon.
State Records and Recent Trend
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife keeps a running tally of documented shark incidents in state waters. The agency's incident log, updated Jan. 27, 2026, lists encounters going back to 1950, according to the official record.
State officials and local reporting also noted that 2025 was unusually active: an information officer told SFGATE the state recorded 10 shark incidents that year, and Paul Kanive, president of the California White Shark Project, told the outlet, “This is the time of year where they're still lingering there.”
Park Response and Public Safety
California State Parks' statement, cited by the San Francisco Chronicle, said staff shut down nearby beaches as a precaution and will monitor conditions before reopening the area. Park officials urged visitors to follow posted signs and check in with on-duty lifeguards for the latest safety information before heading into the surf.
What Beachgoers Should Know
Shark encounters remain rare, but beachgoers are urged to take basic precautions: avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, steer clear of river mouths or spots thick with baitfish or seals, and leave the water calmly if you see a shark.
If someone is injured, call 911 immediately and alert lifeguards so responders can move in quickly and provide medical care.
