Surfer Escapes Shark By Punching It In The Head

A surfer fought off a shark by punching it on the side of the head - seconds after it had bitten him.

The attack in Eureka, California left Scott Stephens with eight deep lacerations, according to the Times-Standard .

The 25-year-old was paddling on his board 150 yards further out than other surfers when the shark grabbed him and pulled him under water.

He estimates the creature was four feet long and believes it was a juvenile great white.

"The shark came from underneath me, grabbed onto my side, shook me a few times and pulled me under water," he told reporters from his hospital bed.

"I opened my eyes under water and punched the shark on the side of the head a couple of times until it released me. I saw a lot of blood."

He was able to get back onto his board and return to the shore.

Fellow surfers came to his aid when they heard him screaming for help and took him to St Joseph Hospital.

"I really didn't feel much at the time probably because I was in shock. I didn't feel too much pain until I woke up this morning," he said.

Doctors said the surfboard probably took some of the brunt of the bite, possibly keeping the shark's teeth from penetrating organs that would have made surgery riskier and more complicated.

Despite the traumatic experience, Mr Stephens said it will not keep him out of the water.

"I will be very scared, I'm sure," he said. "I'll definitely have some mental barriers to get through. I think it'll be worth it."

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/surfer-escapes-shark-punching-head-102817248.html

River Nith crayfish reports probed

Investigation work is planned following reports of a potentially devastating invasive species being discovered for the first time in the River Nith.

Scottish Natural Heritage is to carry out surveys to see if North American signal crayfish are established in the south of Scotland river.

The crayfish were first found in Scottish waters in 1995.

Escapes from fish farms or illegal releases are thought to be the reason for their spread through the UK.

The waters of Loch Ken in Dumfries and Galloway are already infested with the species.

Reports have now been received of a discovery on the River Nith in the region.

They can have a hugely damaging impact on angling waters and are difficult to eradicate once established.

Dr Colin Bean, a freshwater adviser with SNH, said the latest incident would be examined closely.

"The prospects of removing signal crayfish from any water body - particularly one the size of the Nith - is likely to be difficult if not impossible," he said.

"So it is important for us to know what is actually there before any moves are made to try and develop any containment."

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-20136865