Humans not the only ones getting ready to head to Massachusetts beaches.
White sharks are back in the Bay State's waters, researchers say, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
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"They are starting to arrive," said Megan Winton of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
Bites recently spotted on a dead whale near Chatham, on Cape Cod, and a living seal off Plymouth indicate that white sharks — the apex predator commonly referred to as great white sharks — have returned for the summer, according to the New England Aquarium.
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"Although we haven't seen a white shark just yet this season, we know they're here. With beach weather in the forecast and Memorial Day Weekend approaching, this is a good reminder for people to review shark safety guidelines and be shark smart," researcher John Chisholm said in a statement.
The sharks have regularly come to the Cape, following the migration of seals, one of their preferred foods. In fact, research published last year found that Cape Cod is one of the world's white shark hot spots.
If you plan to swim in the ocean this summer, the scientists are reminding you to be aware of your surroundings -- especially on the Outer Cape, where shark sightings are more prevalent.
"A lot of folks don't always think of the beach as a wild environment, because of lifeguards, but it is very much a wild environment anytime you're entering the ocean," said Winton.
And based on the research, shark predations happen quickly in shallow water. And the sharks are all ages and sizes, but know they're not looking to interact with us.
"These animals are very cautious, selective predators," Winton said. "They're really good at what they do, and they don't make mistakes that often, but if you are swimming in an area where there are large sharks feeding on large prey, you know there's an element of risk."
