MARYLAND — Brendan Oster, a 36-year-old resident of Montgomery County, believes he was bitten by a sand tiger shark over the weekend, according to The Baltimore Sun.
The incident happened when Oster was on his surfboard at Assateague State Park. Just as he was paddling out into the water, what he believes was a shark clamped down on his right hand.
Within seconds, panic settled in and he instantly began paddling back to shore, where he was helped by a doctor who happened to be in the area.
Reports of the shark bite surfaced Sunday afternoon but remained largely unconfirmed after state officials said they weren't able to verify the injuries firsthand.
A spokesperson from the Department of Natural Resources told The Banner that they were still unable to confirm the bite but that they did not have a reason to doubt it occurred.
Photos of Oster's hand show several small cuts.
Despite the terrifying moment, Oster told The Banner he still plans on going back. “I might have some butterflies when I go back out there the first few times, but I am definitely going back as soon as I possibly can," he said.
Read more at The Baltimore Sun.
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