How do white sharks hunt seals and other large prey?

White sharks primarily hunt large prey, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins, using an ambush strategy. They attempt to surprise their prey by rushing them from below and inflicting a sudden, massive, and fatal bite. This initial impact is often so powerful that it can launch the prey out of the water or propel the shark into the air if the strike misses.12

Following this initial attack, the shark typically retreats to wait for the prey to die, a behavior often referred to as "bite and spit" or "bite and wait". This method allows the predator to minimize the risk of injury from struggling prey. While they are highly effective hunters, white sharks are also opportunistic scavengers that will feed on the carcasses of whales and other large marine animals. Their ability to locate prey is supported by a sophisticated sensory system, including a highly developed sense of smell and the lateral line system for detecting vibrations in the water.1234