A female great white shark named Miss Pawla has been spotted off the Alabama coast, a rare occurrence in the area. Researchers at the University of South Alabama are tracking her movements.
Key Points
Miss Pawla, an 8-foot female great white shark, was spotted twice off the Alabama coast
Researchers at the University of South Alabama are tracking her movements
White sharks are federally protected and must be released alive if caught
Pros
Rare sighting of a great white shark off the Alabama coast
Provides valuable scientific data for managing offshore fisheries in Alabama
Cons
Potential danger to swimmers and beachgoers in the area