This page lists 16 sharks, rays and other marine animals: 13 from NYSDEC's Sharks and Conservation Status of New York Shark Species and 3 named in other official sources.
Which sharks, rays and other marine animals can hurt you
Official sources single out these sharks, rays and other marine animals in New York, in their own words:
Sharks
Bites on bathers. “Negative interactions between sharks and bathers in New York have been primarily attributed to exploratory bites from sharks to bathers who were swimming near large concentrations of forage fish, and where there was poor water clarity in the surf zone …” NYSDEC
Venomous spines. NOAA says the spines deliver a venomous sting, and that juvenile lionfish have been collected in waters off Long Island, New York. DEC says juveniles are seen only sporadically in summer. “The spines of this species deliver a venomous sting that can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis.” NOAA National Ocean Service
Mako lacks black tips on the undersides of the fins and has thin, pointed teeth without serrations.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When sharks, rays and other marine animals are active in New York
Records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in New York peak in April to August. They show when people record sharks, rays and other marine animals, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
121 records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in New York by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
Nearshore shark activity is likely to increase in the peak summer months; DEC's flyer marks June to September. NYSDEC
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 NYSDEC:
Avoid swimming at dusk, night and dawn, in murky water, and near seals, schools of fish or diving seabirds; follow lifeguards. NYSDEC
What official sources say
Are there sharks in New York?
Yes. DEC says many shark species migrate seasonally to New York's marine waters. NYSDEC
“Many species of sharks make seasonal migrations to New York's marine waters every year.”
Are there great white sharks in New York?
Yes. DEC lists the white shark and says juveniles use Long Island's coastal ocean as nursery habitat. NYSDEC
“Juveniles utilize Long Island's coastal ocean as nursery habitat”
Shark Public Safety. NYSDEC. archived copy, captured May 15, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (2)
“Negative interactions between sharks and bathers in New York have been primarily attributed to exploratory bites from sharks to bathers who were swimming near large concentrations of forage fish, and where there was poor water clarity in the surf zone. There is no evidence which suggests that sharks in New York are intentionally pursuing or "attacking" humans.”
“Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn.”
What is a lionfish? NOAA National Ocean Service. updated September 23, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“The spines of this species deliver a venomous sting that can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis.”
Be Shark Smart! flyer. NYSDEC. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Shark activity is likely to increase in the nearshore ocean during the peak summer months.”
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