Shark sightings have increased noticeably along southern Maine's coast this summer, prompting local police to warn beachgoers to take care in the water after several white sharks were filmed near popular beaches. Experts say the rise in reported sightings does not necessarily mean shark numbers have grown, as good weather, more beachgoers, and wider use of drones and smartphones have made sharks far easier to spot and record than in previous decades.

In Scarborough, sightings began in early July around Pine Point Beach before the sharks moved towards Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach, with sharks, mostly juveniles, still being seen daily three weeks on. Researchers note that white shark numbers have been recovering gradually since federal protections were introduced in the 1990s, aided by a growing Maine seal population and abundant prey such as striped bass and menhaden; with a generation time of 25 to 30 years for the species, current sightings may reflect the population returning closer to its natural size. Scientists add that warming ocean temperatures could see sharks linger longer in the Gulf of Maine, making frequent sightings more common in future.