Scovone Star Magazine 2013-2014 | Page 12

Great white sharks Where to Live Orcas and larger sharks are some of the few threats to them in the ocean. Great white sharks live worldwide in coastal waters, especially in South Africa and New Zealand. They spend their time in warm waters, but they have been known to make occasional trips into colder water. They live toward the surface of the ocean and close to shore. This is because the sunlight shines through and prey can be caught. it is usually by accident. A shark may mistake a human for prey. It is even more rare for the attack to kill the human. A shark will attack and then leave. What They Eat Young sharks usually eat small fish. Adult great white sharks like to eat sea turtles, rays and seals. Sometimes older sharks even eat young sharks. As a shark grows it's favorites become sea mammals, seals and sea lions. A baby shark is called a pup. It immediately swims away from it's mother after birth. The mother may see them as prey. Many baby sharks do not survive their first year. Great white sharks are at the top of the food chain. Sharks have been around for more than 300 million years. The great white shark is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is close to being labeled as endangered. This is due to overfishing. You can help great white sharks by not buying anything made from them. Shark attacks on humans are rare, but most have been near the United States. When it happens, Great white sharks are awsome! 12 Plants & Animals