PORT BOLIVAR, Texas – A 14-year-old North Carolina girl was injured Wednesday when a shark (search) bit her left foot while she was swimming in waist-deep water off the Texas coast, officials said.
The girl, whose name was not released, was swimming with family and friends when she felt something hit her leg and grab her foot, according to a statement from the Galveston County (search) Sheriff's Department.
She saw the 4-foot long shark swim away after it had bitten her.
The girl was taken to the University of Texas (search) Medical Branch in nearby Galveston.
UTMB spokesman John Koloen confirmed the hospital was treating a shark bite victim but said he could not immediately provide more details.
Galveston County Sheriff's Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo said in a statement that officials believe the shark was feeding at the time. Sharks are believed to be feeding closer to shore because of the large number of smaller fish in the water that are part of their diet.
Marine experts have said sharks are on the move during summer months and frequently mine the shallow Gulf of Mexico waters for fish.
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