I’ve had a fascination of sharks in general since I was a kid and GW’s in particular since I read “Jaws”. Somewhere in there I saw the documentary “Blue Water, White Death,” which was one of the first about the sharks and showed the true behavior – up to a point.
I watch Discovery Channel’s Shark Week but thougt this year’s was pretty weak. Last year’s was excellent, especially with all the different shows about different types of sharks. I love the stuff about people making the sharks zone out by rubbing their snouts. Can you imagine?
And the crazy guy who swam with the GW’s. Reminded me of Grizzly Man.
But I think the show that affected me the most was whatever the first one about the leaping South Africans was. They are big, they are not was supple as, say, a Mako or a Blue, so they have worked out a this method to catch very fast, very supple seals. They steam up from below, leap out of the water and grab the seal on teh way up or the way down. This is definately on my Bucket List.
Amazing photograph!
Is he looking at you? Fun thought. I don’t think I’d fight him for the poor seal.
Makos also jump, which is one of the reason they are considered a game fish. But they aren’t hauling a ton or more up out of the water like the GW.
You have to wonder if he could land in the boat.
Still pretty fantastic.
I think what gets me most of all is that these animals are leaving their comfort zone. They can’t breathe when they are doing this. Of course, we do it when we jump into a pool and I must admit it can be a shock to hit the water. I wonder if the exhileration of the leap is something they can feel.
It is believed that aquatic mammals that leap “enjoy” the feeling – or are just getting rid of parasites. Who knows. The sense of life and power is awesome.
