Great White Shark Spotted Near Louisiana Summer Destination

Summer is almost here and many from South Louisiana will soon be heading to their favorite beach destination along the Gulf Coast.

With that said, if you're hitting the beach soon there are a few things that you need to be aware of. Of course rip currents are always a threat if you're in the water, and sharks are too.

Before we get started we will admit that we're aware the gulf and/or the ocean is a shark's domain, but at times we like to drop in to cool off during the summer months.

So, before you get into the water this summer along the Gulf Coast know that there are dangers out there, like the Great White shark that was just spotted off the coast of Alabama.

Many from Louisiana love to visit Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and other beaches in the area, and while we know sharks are out there, it's rare to see a Great White in the northern portions of the Gulf of Mexico.

Scientists with the University of Southern Alabama were recently off the coast of Alabama when they came face-to-face with a Great White at about 150 feet below the surface.

While it may not be the largest of sharks in the gulf, the 8-foot shark named Miss Pawla swam towards a diver and then veered off in the opposite direction.

Miss Pawla is estimated to be 15 years old and is probably only half the size of a full-grown adult Great White.

We don't intend for this post to scare you or discourage you from getting the water this summer, but it is a good reminder to be safe and aware of your surroundings while out swimming or boating in the gulf this summer.

The greeting was captured on film and this was a close call.