New York shark attack off Long Island marks fifth in 2 weeks
A morning shark attack closed a beach
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A second shark attack was reported off the coast of New York on Wednesday — the fifth such attack off of Long Island in two weeks.
According to the county, Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers responded to Seaview Beach on Fire Island after a man was bitten by a shark at approximately 6:05 p.m. ET.
The 49-year-old Arizona man was standing in waist-deep water when the shark approached from behind, biting him on the left wrist and buttocks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SHARK ATTACKS SURFER NEAR NEW YORK BEACH, AUTHORITIES CLOSE SWIMMING
The man walked out of the water before being transported on a Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital.
His injuries were not life-threatening.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Shark attacks off Long Island, New York, this summer (Credit: Fox News)
Earlier in the day, Suffolk County officials closed Smith Point Beach for swimming following a morning attack on a 41-year-old man on a paddle board.
The victim suffered a 4-inch gash on his leg that was apparently from a sand tiger shark, which was identified by the man.
SHARK ACTIVITY NEAR EAST COAST BEACHES ON THE RISE
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The injury was not serious, and Smith Point Beach reopened in the afternoon.
Photo taken on July 5, 2022, shows a sand tiger shark in the Scientific Center aquarium in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua via Getty Images)
"Our lifeguards are continuing to patrol the ocean to ensure the safety of all beachgoers," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone tweeted.
During a news conference, the official stressed the importance of swimming near lifeguards and called these attacks the new normal.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}High waves produced by Hurricane Jose crash along the shore on Sept. 20, 2017, at Long Island's Smith Point Beach in Shirley, New York. (Photo by Andrew Theodorakis/Getty Images)
Smith Point and Cupsogue beaches recently reopened after being forced to close earlier this month following previous incidents.
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While shark attacks are usually rare, more sharks are being spotted off Long Island.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Scientists cite warming ocean temperatures and a resurgence of bunker fish for the shift in sightings. Experts say the increase in the number of sharks is a sign that conservation efforts have been successful.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.