Surfer Bitten In Rare Shark Attack Off Northwest Oregon Coast

Authorities said a surfer was bitten by a shark Sunday afternoon (December 6) in Northwest Oregon, according to KATU.

According to police, the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. off the coast of Seaside, Oregon. Witnesses who saw the incident brought the victim ashore. Officials confirmed the man was bitten in the leg. Someone who works near the beach said the injury was at least eight inches long.

"An off-duty Seaside lifeguard applied a field tourniquet to the injured leg to help slow the bleeding," reporters said. The surfer was taken to the trauma unit of Columbia Memorial Hospital, according to police. Officers added the injuries were not life-threatening.

TODAY reported that this was the first shark attack this year in the area, and incidents like these are rare. Photos also show bite marks on a surfboard.

Sharks have been making the news this year, whether for incidents or for scientific study. For example, a pregnant woman pulled her husband to safety after a shark dragged him underwater. A father chased after a shark after the animal pulled his 10-year-old son off a boat. Last month, a research organization announced one of the largest great white sharks pinged off in the Florida Keys.

Photo: Getty Images