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WILMINGTON—The Sand Tiger shark may be the culprit behind a recent shark bite in Wrightsville Beach.

Experts at the Fort Fisher Aquarium said attacks by sand tiger sharks are rare. Paul Barrington said it's very similar to a dog barking and biting an intruder for being in their environment. Barrington said there are about 75 unprovoked shark encounters around the world every year, 5 to 10 of those are confirmed deaths. The cause is usually a case of mistaken identity.

Barington said the windy weather conditions and cloudy water could have played a role in the encounter.

"These are hit and run attacks, this is not an animal that typically seeks humans for food," said Barrington.

To help keep safe while swimming Barrington offers this advice:

• Swim with a group of people.
• Don't venture far away from shore where you can't get immediate assistance.
• Avoid swimming at dusk and dawn. Those are prime feeding times.
• Avoid areas where birds are feeding on fish.

Experts said there are about 10 different species of large coastal sharks that inhabit the North Carolina Coast. This Includes the Sand Tiger Shark, Sand Bar Shark, and Lemon Shark among others.