A dead gray whale has forced the closure of Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, California, and for many locals, the news brings back memories of a tragedy that still hangs over the community.
According to Pacific Grove officials, authorities temporarily closed the popular beach this week after a mature gray whale carcass washed ashore near the point. The closure was issued out of an abundance of caution, not because of the whale itself, but because of what it could attract.
“Marine mammal carcasses can attract sharks, particularly larger predatory species,” Pacific Grove police said in a public advisory announcing the closure. Officials described shark activity as the primary reason for restricting access to the area.
The concern is understandable.
Monterey Bay has long been home to white sharks, and whale carcasses are known to draw them from considerable distances. While sharks often scavenge dead whales rather than hunt them directly, feeding activity around a carcass can increase the likelihood of shark encounters near shore.
The closure comes less than a year after one of the most devastating shark incidents in recent California history.
Related: ‘Human Body in Its Mouth’: Shark Attack Victim Still Missing in CA
In December 2025, 55-year-old swimmer Erica Fox disappeared while swimming with friends off Lovers Point. Witnesses reported seeing a large splash and possible shark activity in the water. Days later, her body was recovered on a beach in Santa Cruz County. A coroner ultimately ruled her death was caused by “sharp and blunt force injuries and submersion in water due to a shark attack.”
Fox was a respected member of the local open-water swimming community and co-founder of the Kelp Krawlers swim group. Her death sent shockwaves through Monterey Bay and prompted widespread discussions about ocean safety in an area already known for occasional shark encounters.
For now, authorities are monitoring the whale carcass and evaluating conditions around Lovers Point. The closure is expected to remain in place until officials determine the area is safe for the public.
For surfers, swimmers, and anyone who spends time in the waters of Monterey Bay, the scene serves as a stark reminder that nature can change the equation in an instant.
Related: Surfers Return After Fatal Shark Attack in NorCal, Shocking Locals
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