Two Australian shark stories in one day? You bet your vegemite.

First the discovery of hybrid sharks found in Australian waters, proof that the world’s oldest predator is still evolving. Scientists found that native Black Tip sharks have begun mating with a foreign species of Black Tip shark, increasing their range into colder waters. Some 57 of these hybrids have been identified on the Queensland/NSW coast.

Fantastic. New kinds of sharks to be afraid of.

The second shark story occurred yesterday at Avoca Beach in Copacabana, where a 28 year old man was attacked by a large White Shark while paddling his surfboard. He’s gonna be fine though, as the shark only managed a small bite to his arm.

Avoca has not seen a shark attack in 14 years, so yesterdays news came as quite a shock to everyone… until the rescue helicopter that was dispatched noticed at least 3 large White Sharks in the same area the next day.

(photo-ayn mielke)