The vast ocean is far less desolate with a companion.
Astonishingly, scientists have recently uncovered a dynamic duo of great white sharks named Simon and Jekyll. These remarkable creatures have been embarking on a synchronized journey up the coast of North America, covering a distance of over 4,000 miles.
“This discovery has the potential to be groundbreaking,” expressed Bob Hueter, the chief scientist at OCEARCH, a prominent marine research organization. Hueter shared his excitement in a captivating video on Facebook.
Contrary to popular belief, white sharks are typically solitary creatures. Hueter remarked, “We don’t normally expect to see white sharks staying together, but Simon and Jekyll seem to have formed a unique bond as they synchronize their movements.”
Philip Thurston via Getty Images
Researchers began tracking these two relatively young male sharks in December of last year, when they were briefly captured and equipped with tracking devices near the southeast coast of the United States. Together, they embarked on an incredible journey northward towards Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Yannis Papastamatiou, an ecologist from Florida International University, mentioned in an article for The New York Times that he has observed white sharks spending extended periods together at specific locations during his research. These powerful creatures often gather in groups for purposes such as mating, protecting themselves from predators, and seeking food.
Papastamatiou also referred to a study conducted in Australia, which revealed that white sharks congregated around seal colonies and displayed a preference for spending time with specific individuals within the larger group.
Reflecting on these findings, Papastamatiou wrote, “The surprising proximity and favored companionship of white sharks made me wonder if these creatures are more sociable than we previously believed.”
In the Facebook video by OCEARCH, Hueter mentioned that the researchers would be analyzing blood samples taken from Simon and Jekyll during the tagging process to determine if they are siblings, as this could potentially play a role in their close relationship.
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