Shark sightings causing a buzz on Cape beaches

CHATHAM (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - The binoculars are out in full force on Lighthouse Beach in Chatham. Curiosity peaked after several shark sightings in Cape Cod waters.

Five great white sharks were spotted near Chatham’s South Beach in recent days, some spotted as close as 100 yards from the shore. It prompted the harbormaster to close the beach to swimming and prompted the state to take action.

It didn't take long for state biologist Greg Skomal and his crew to find what they were looking for. With a spotter in the sky they found a total of eight great whites near the eastern shore of Monomoy Bay and the crew was able to tag one shark a half mile from south beach. Skomal says the sharks are popping up because of a spike in the seal population.

The shark sightings are getting mixed reviews from beachgoers, but one thing is for sure: the animals are a hot topic of conversation.