Florida shark attacks surfer, latched on ‘like a bear trap’ in world’s bite capital
Share this @internewscast.com

A Florida surfer is vowing to return to the waves after being bitten by a shark in a county deemed “the shark bite capital of the world.”

Volusia County Beach Safety reported to Fox News Digital that Matthew Bender, 40, from Winter Park, Florida, experienced a shark encounter while surfing at New Smyrna Beach, known for its shark activity, on Sunday, July 6, when a shark bit his arm.

“It felt like something clamped down on me like a bear trap out of nowhere,” Bender recounted to Fox News affiliate WOFL-TV from his hospital bed. “By the time I looked down, it had already left. I never actually saw the shark, but the bite was quite powerful.”

“It felt like electricity – pressure, extreme pressure – and then I think it shook its head as it let go. It was so fast,” he said.

The recovery ahead may be long, and the resulting scar will be permanent.

“I don’t know if it’ll be the cool ones that chicks dig, but it might be ugly,” he joked. 

Matthew Bender surfing

Matthew Bender, 40, said he’s excited to fully recover and head back out to the surf following his shark attack. (WOFL-TV)

The longtime surfer is eager to return to the waves, with doctors expecting Bender to make a full recovery within months.

“I believe the Lord prevented it from being more severe. He works in mysterious ways,” Bender shared. “I’ll need to take a short break, but I’ll be back riding the waves soon. I’m truly a New Smyrna surfer at heart, and this incident won’t put an end to that.”

Authorities have not confirmed the type or size of the shark involved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'High Potential' star Javicia Leslie teases a villain twist you won't see coming: "You'll never guess who it was." 

‘High Potential’ Star Javicia Leslie Hints at Unexpected Villain Plot Twist: “You’ll Be Surprised Who It Is.”

LOS ANGELES — The filming of Season 2 of “High Potential” on…
Grieving mom of dead Camp Mystic camper desperately seeks daughter's 'most prized possession' lost in devastating Texas floods

Heartbroken Mother Seeks Lost Treasured Item of Late Camp Mystic Daughter After Texas Floods

A heartbroken Texas mother, whose 8-year-old daughter tragically passed away during catastrophic…
A Texas family clung to life on their roof, capturing the terrifying flooding in photos and video

Texas Family Documents Harrowing Flood Experience from Their Rooftop in Photos and Video

Jane Towler found herself awake in a small cabin by the Guadalupe…
New interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King speaks in first 2 weeks on the job on $736 million CPS budget shortfall

Chicago Public Schools’ New Interim CEO Dr. Macquline King Addresses $736 Million Budget Deficit in Her First Two Weeks

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dr. Macquline King, with a history as a former…
Canadian police official warns 'traditional values' may be sign a person is becoming 'extremist'

Canadian Police Officer Cautions that ‘Traditional Values’ Could Indicate Emerging Extremism

A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cautioned on Tuesday…
Sheriff Cook discusses safety and crime at town hall

Sheriff Cook Talks Crime and Safety Issues at Community Town Hall

During Thursday’s town hall, Sheriff Michelle Cook announced that crime in Clay…
Parents crashing honeymoons becomes bizarre new travel trend

Unexpected Trend: Parents Tagging Along on Honeymoon Trips

Traditionally, a honeymoon serves as a unique getaway for newlyweds to relax…
Illustration of Indiana fireworks legality: pie charts showing legal times to set off fireworks for various dates.

New July 9 ‘Fireworks’ Law Enforces Instant Fines in US Cities for Violations—With One Date Exception

PEOPLE who set off fireworks now face instant fines for breaking a…
Trump and George Soros have this in common: Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent Highlights a Commonality Between Trump and George Soros

President Trump and left-wing billionaire George Soros have more similarities than previously…
Man busted with anti-government, anti-Trump documents after Texas ICE ambush suspect phone call, feds say

Federal Authorities Claim Texas ICE Ambush Suspect Found with Anti-Government and Anti-Trump Documents

A man accused of tampering with evidence related to the attack on…
Caribbean police work to ID body found during search for missing American as nearby security guard was killed

Caribbean Authorities Seek to Identify Body Found During Search for Missing American After Nearby Security Guard Killing

A security guard was killed about 9 miles from where an American…
2025 Saturn retrograde in Aries, Pisces: Zodiac signs most affected

Zodiac Signs Most Influenced by the 2025 Saturn Retrograde in Aries and Pisces

Gather round, folks — formative, punishing daddy planet Saturn, AKA the true lord…