Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Shark Swims Through Flooded New Jersey Streets During Nor'easter

A smooth dogfish, a small and harmless shark species, was observed swimming through flooded streets in Surf City, New Jersey, during a recent nor'easter.

Resident Drew Procaccino captured video of the shark navigating the flooded driveway of his home on Long Beach Island. Marine biologist Greg Skomal identified the creature as a smooth dogfish, common in the area and typically around three feet long.

Smooth dogfish have flat teeth for crushing prey and are found in the western Atlantic Ocean. The species can live up to 16 years for females and around 10 years for males.

The shark's appearance coincided with a powerful nor'easter that brought heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, causing travel disruptions and power outages. The storm was responsible for at least one fatality.

Nor'easters are low-pressure systems common between September and April, characterized by northeasterly winds. Their impact is generally greater closer to the coast.

The storm also led to other unusual events, including firefighters rescuing a doe stuck in a fence in Middletown Township, New Jersey.

Additionally, a dog named Daisy was seen riding in a kayak through flooded Ocean City, New Jersey, as a way for her owner to help her relieve herself.

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