Fisherman hospitalized after shark encounter in Malibu

<p>A kayaker fishing off a Malibu beach was transported to a local hospital on Sunday morning following a shark encounter that resulted in two bite wounds. The incident occurred near Paradise Cove in Los Angeles County, according to KTLA.</p><p>Witnesses reported that the fisherman had reeled in what was believed to be a mako shark and was attempting to release it when the shark bit him, causing him to fall into the water. The shark then bit him a second time before swimming away, as reported by ABC 7.</p><p>A manager at the nearby Paradise Cove Beach Cafe stated he observed the victim's injuries near his legs, noting, "He was bitten in two places. I saw there were some teeth marks on his lower leg and above the knee."</p><p>Video footage captured a lifeguard rushing toward the fisherman moments after the encounter, while a small fishing boat was nearby. Another fisherman reportedly assisted the victim by pulling him from the water onto his boat and bringing him back to shore, as stated by KTLA.</p><p>The victim contacted his girlfriend, a retired lifeguard, who helped him from the boat, assisted him onshore, and called for emergency responders. Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital.</p><p>The cafe manager remarked on the unusual nature of the incident, saying, "We’ve had a lot of crazy stuff happen here, but we’ve never had a shark attack like that." The beach remained open following the incident, according to ABC 7.</p><p>Experts note that the chances of encountering a shark in Southern California are higher in October, when warmer coastal waters attract both prey and juvenile sharks. Female sharks often use shallow, warmer waters as nursery grounds, where young sharks can feed and grow with relative protection.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for additional information.</p>