Title: Shark Attack in Northern California Leaves Surfer with Broken Board and Stitches In an unexpected turn of events, a surfer experienced a terrifying encounter with a shark off the coast of Northern California this week. The incident marks the first reported shark attack of the year in the state. Tommy Civik was surfing near Gualala, north of San Francisco when he felt like being hit by a car and was thrown into the air after a large shark bit his board in half. The South Coast Fire Protection District Chief Jason Warner informed that his team responded to the scene before 9 am on Tuesday. Witnesses at the beach reported seeing a “big” shark attack Civik, throwing him up in the air and breaking his surfboard in two. The shark then latched onto half of the board and started thrashing it around. Civik told the Los Angeles Times that he never saw the shark during the incident but felt a sharp impact when his board snapped in half. His friend, who was watching from shore, said Civik flew through the air after being attacked. The surfer is still trying to piece together what happened and described the experience as “jarring.” Peter Tira with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated that Civik needed stitches for his injuries. DNA samples taken from Civik’s wound will be used to identify the type of shark responsible for the attack. This information could provide valuable insights into the behavior patterns and migration habits of these marine predators, which may help in developing better safety measures for beachgoers and surfers alike. The significance of this incident lies not only in its potential implications on public safety but also as a reminder that encounters with wild animals can happen unexpectedly even in areas where such incidents are rare. As climate change continues to alter ecosystems, it is crucial for us to understand how these changes affect the behavior and migration patterns of various species, including sharks. In conclusion, this shocking event serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant when engaging with nature’s most powerful creatures. It also highlights the importance of continued research into understanding animal behaviors better so that we can coexist peacefully in our shared habitats.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/travel/northern-california-surfer-says-shark-attack-felt-like-being-hit-car-board-snaps-half)
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