Swimmer Bitten by Angel Shark on Lanzarote Beach
A young woman received minor injuries after reportedly being bitten by an angel shark while entering the sea at a Lanzarote beach this week.
According to reports, the swimmer felt a sudden sharp pain in her foot while walking through shallow water and had to kick repeatedly before the shark released its grip. The injuries were described as minor puncture wounds, and she was treated shortly afterwards.
While the incident understandably caused concern among beachgoers, marine experts stress that bites involving angel sharks in Lanzarote are extremely rare.
The angel shark, known locally as the “angelote,” is a protected and critically endangered species found in the waters around the Canary Islands. Lanzarote is considered one of the world’s most important habitats for the species, with conservation groups working to help protect its fragile population.
Unlike many shark species, angel sharks spend much of their time lying partially buried beneath sandy seabeds, using camouflage to hide from predators and ambush small fish. Because they are so well hidden, swimmers can accidentally step on them without realising.
Marine experts say angel sharks are not aggressive towards humans. Nearly all recorded bites happen when the animal feels threatened or startled after being stepped on accidentally.
To reduce the chances of disturbing marine life, beachgoers are advised to avoid stomping directly into sandy seabeds when entering the water. Instead, using a gentle “shuffle” movement with the feet can help alert hidden animals and encourage them to move away naturally.
Angel sharks are fully protected under Spanish and European conservation laws, and harming or disturbing them intentionally is illegal.
Despite this unusual incident, shark bites in Lanzarote remain exceptionally uncommon, and the island continues to be regarded as one of the safest beach destinations in Europe for tourists, swimmers and divers.
