This page lists 17 sharks, rays and other marine animals: all from Marine Region's CDFW Marine Species Information Portal, group "Sharks/Rays".
2 are venomous by official accounts.
Which sharks, rays and other marine animals can hurt you
Official sources single out these sharks, rays and other marine animals in California, in their own words:
Responsible for the vast majority of shark incidents. “Since 1950, there have been less than 250 shark incidents in California involving many species of sharks, the vast majority of which involved white sharks …” Marine Region
Venomous tail spine. “Although stingrays do not attack people, the tail spines can cause painful wounds if stepped upon or handled without caution.” Florida Museum of Natural History
All 17 sharks, rays and other marine animals
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
CDFW portal regions: North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast Marine Region
What the sources say
Venom: “However, care should be taken when handling these fish due to the venomous spine that is located at the base of the tail.” (Florida Museum of Natural History)
“Although stingrays do not attack people, the tail spines can cause painful wounds if stepped upon or handled without caution.” Florida Museum of Natural History
Where in California
CDFW portal regions: North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast Marine Region
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3,643 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “It also has a venomous spine halfway down its tail, so caution should be used handling these rays, or when in its habitat.” (Florida Museum of Natural History)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Danger to people
“Since 1950, there have been less than 250 shark incidents in California involving many species of sharks, the vast majority of which involved white sharks …” Marine Region
Size
Born about 4 feet long; grows to about 20-21 feet and over 4,000 pounds (NOAA quick facts: up to 4,500 pounds).
How to recognize it
Torpedo-shaped body, conical snout, prominent keel at the base of a crescent-shaped tail
Large first dorsal fin, usually with a pointed tip
Broad, triangular, serrated teeth
Where in California
CDFW portal regions: North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast Marine Region
Conservation
No. It is NOT legal to fish for or catch white sharks, as they have been protected in California since January 1, 1994.
Salmon shark has a generally darker back, larger eye and shorter snout, white coloring above the pectoral fins, and pointed teeth without serrations. Marine Region
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When sharks, rays and other marine animals are active in California
Records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in California peak in August to September. They show when people record sharks, rays and other marine animals, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
65,158 records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in California by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
Shark incidents more common in late summer and fall (warmest water, more beachgoers) Marine Region
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from Marine Region:
Only guaranteed way to avoid a shark interaction is to stay out of the ocean Marine Region
How to report
Wildlife conflicts: CDFW Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir, emergencies 9-1-1. Invasive animal sightings: CDFW Invasive Species Program (866) 440-9530 or [email protected]; invasive insects/spiders/terrestrial invertebrates: California Department of Food and Agriculture 1-800-491-1899. California Department of Fish and Wildlife
What official sources say
Are there great white sharks in California?
Yes. CDFW: white sharks are responsible for the vast majority of shark incidents off California; incidents are extremely rare. Marine Region
“Incidents where sharks bite humans are extremely rare in California.”
Bat Ray - Discover Fishes species profile. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida). February 6, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“However, care should be taken when handling these fish due to the venomous spine that is located at the base of the tail.”
“It also has a venomous spine halfway down its tail, so caution should be used handling these rays, or when in its habitat.”
“Although stingrays do not attack people, the tail spines can cause painful wounds if stepped upon or handled without caution.”
White Shark Information. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Marine Region). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (6)
“Since 1950, there have been less than 250 shark incidents in California involving many species of sharks, the vast majority of which involved white sharks. Of those, fewer than 20 were fatal and all of the fatalities likely involved white sharks (see details below).”
“There is only one guaranteed method for avoiding a shark interaction: stay out of the ocean.”
“While more shark incidents occur in the late summer and fall, this is consistent with the warmest water in California, and times when more people are at the beaches.”
“Incidents where sharks bite humans are extremely rare in California.”
“…the mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), which lacks black tips on the undersides of the fins and has thin, pointed teeth without serrations”
“…the salmon shark (Lamna ditropis), which has a generally darker back, larger eye, and shorter snout. It also has white coloration above the pectoral fins, and pointed teeth without serration.”
Report an Invasive Species Sighting. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Invasive Species Program). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“To report a sighting of a known, or suspected invasive species of an animal (mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, aquatic invertebrate) or marine plant, complete and submit the Suspect Invasive Species Sighting Report form below or contact us at (866) 440-9530. / For a known invasive plant, terrestrial invertebrate (worm, beetle, spider, bug, bee, fly, ant, snail, etc.) or plant/tree disease, or one that you suspect may be new to your area of California, contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 1-800-491-1899. / [ca-cdfw-hwc] Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) System For Emergencies, call 9-1-1”
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