Cow Nose Rays Alarm Swimmers On Jersey Shore – CBS New York

CAPE MAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Herds of cow nose rays are making their annual migration to the Jersey Shore, and their return is triggering some misplaced alarm amongst beachgoers.

CBS2’s Christina Fan explains why.

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From Sandy Hook to Cape Might, sightings of those uncommon creatures lurking so near shore are scaring swimmers out of the water.

“That’s precisely what they do is freak out, and there’s no must freak out,” stated Dean Yankowski of the Dock Outfitters.

“In case you’re not on prime of them, it might probably seem like a fin popping out of the water,” stated Danny Intile.

What individuals are seeing are herds of cownose rays, named for his or her distinctive cow-like snouts. However beachgoers say it’s their pointed fins that basically resemble one thing else — giving them Jaws-like jitters.

“When their fins type of come out of the water, individuals typically mistake them as in need of a shark fin coming via there,” stated marine biologist Dr. Paul Bologna.

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Bologna says there’s no must be afraid. Whereas the rays have a barb on their tail for protection, they don’t seem to be aggressive and are comparatively innocent to people.

Specialists say the actual sting they ship are to shellfish farmers.

“Cownose rays are identified to get into areas the place aqua tradition is being energetic, particularly for arduous clams, and so they may tear up the underside in trying to find the clams and should impression pure clam populations,” Bologna stated.

The rays reappear each summer time alongside the Jersey Shore in quest of meals. Intile, who works as a ship rental operator in Seaside Heights, says they’re an exquisite sight to behold.

“Final 12 months, there was an enormous herd of 40 to 50 all transferring collectively. Which is basically an superior sight, if you happen to haven’t seen them earlier than,” Intile stated.

Nonetheless if you happen to encounter them, the perfect recommendation is to admire from afar.

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Christina Fan contributed to this report.