Terrifying footage of a huge shark hunting metres from unsuspecting beachgoers has gone viral.
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The video, captured off Western Australia's Monkey Mia beach, appeared to show the massive tiger shark hunting a turtle in very shallow waters.
It has since amassed more than two million views across TikTok and Facebook.
A family wading in shallow waters close by was metres away from the hunt.
While some speculated the predator was just "hunting in its own territory", others were left scared and amazed.
"Close to shore? That shark was on land long enough to establish residency," one person said.
"He's booked for a week at the caravan park."
The massive predator is known for its ability to survive and hunt in a number of marine environments, often swimming between deep ocean waters and shallow coastal reefs.
According to American wildlife non-profit Ocean Conservancy, the breed is only second to the Great White in the number of attacks on humans.
But heavy harvesting for shark finds, skin and livers have left Tiger Sharks classified as a "near threatened" species.
The sighting comes just weeks after a WA father was left with more than 40 stiches are being bitten while boarding off Wedge Island, north of Lancelin on Christmas Eve.
In neighbouring South Australia, a 15-year-old surfer was killed by a Great White Shark while surfing off Ethel Beach, 300km from the state capital.
How to be safe while swimming at the beach:
- Tell an on-guard lifesaver or lifeguard if you see a shark
- Stay close to the shore when swimming
- Stay out of the water with bleeding cuts or wounds.
- Avoid areas used by recreational or commercial fishers, or area with signs of bait or fish feeding activity.
- Stay away from murky, dirty water.
- Be aware that sharks may be present between sandbars or near step drop offs.
