EDGARTOWN, MA — Swimming at South Beach in Edgartown was stopped for several hours Monday after a woman in her late 20s suffered a lower-leg injury in the water that officials said was consistent with a possible shark bite.

At a glance

• Animal: A shark was suspected, though no shark or other marine animal was found.
• Where: South Beach in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard.
• When: Monday, around 1:40 p.m.
• What happened: Emergency responders treated a woman after she was hurt while swimming, and officials said the wound matched a marine animal bite.
• Status: Swimming was suspended as a precaution while conditions were checked.
• Anyone hurt: Yes. The woman was taken to a hospital and her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

What happened

Edgartown Town Administrator James Hagerty said emergency responders were called to South Beach at about 1:40 p.m. Monday after a woman in her late 20s was injured in the water. She was treated at the scene and then taken to a hospital for more evaluation.

Hagerty said the injury appeared to be “consistent with a bite from a marine animal.” He added that authorities did not locate any sharks or other marine life tied to the incident, but the wounds were still considered consistent with a possible shark bite.

The town later suspended swimming at the beach as a precaution. Officials said the pause was meant to give staff time to check conditions before allowing people back in the water.

According to Hagerty, the woman’s injuries were not life-threatening. He said there was no loss of limb and no trauma that posed an immediate danger to her life.

About the animal

Sharks vary widely in size, but many coastal species are powerful fish built for speed, with streamlined bodies, sharp teeth and senses that help them detect movement, scent and vibration in the water. Some species are small enough to fit in a person’s arms, while others grow far larger.

Most sharks are hunters that feed on fish, squid and other marine animals. They usually do not target people, and many encounters happen when a shark mistakes a swimmer or surfer for prey in murky water or low light.

Sharks are part of Atlantic coastal waters around New England, including areas near Martha’s Vineyard, and beach advisories are often used when there is concern about activity near swimmers. Actual attacks on people remain uncommon, but any unknown bite in the ocean is treated seriously.

If you encounter one

If you are in the ocean and believe a shark may be nearby, stay calm, keep your eyes on the animal if possible and move steadily toward shore without splashing or sudden motions. Do not try to chase, touch or feed the shark.

Beachgoers should follow lifeguard instructions, pay attention to posted warnings and avoid entering the water when officials close a beach or raise an advisory. Children and pets should be kept close to shore and away from areas where swimmers are being pulled out of the water.

If someone is bitten, call 911 right away and get the person out of the water as quickly and safely as possible. Apply pressure to bleeding wounds, keep the injured person still and wait for emergency responders. Local police, beach staff or the state wildlife agency can also help assess the scene.

What happens next

Town officials said swimming remained suspended while staff evaluated conditions at South Beach. The beach was expected to reopen only after it was judged safe for swimmers.

Hagerty reminded beachgoers to stay aware in the water and to follow instructions from lifeguards and any posted advisories.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.