How do white sharks ambush seals and other prey?

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white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) — white shark White shark (*Carcharodon carcharias*) populations are frequently centred in highly productive temperate coastal waters (that is, waters characterized by an abundance of fishes and marine mammals).

White sharks primarily hunt prey such as seals and sea lions using an ambush strategy designed to inflict a sudden, massive, and fatal bite.1

To execute this, the white shark typically approaches its target from below at high speed. This initial rush is often so powerful that the impact may launch the prey out of the water or cause the shark itself to breach the surface if it misses.12

Following this strike, the shark often employs a "bite and spit" or "bite and wait" method, where it retreats and allows the prey to die before returning to feed. This behavior is distinct from the investigative "mouthing" or curiosity-driven encounters sometimes observed with humans, which lack the explosive force of their specialized hunting techniques.12