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Stinson Beach To Reopen After Shark Sighting Closure

STINSON BEACH (CBS SF) -- Unless there is another shark sighting, Stinson Beach will be open to swimming and surfing Friday, lifeguard Scott Talmer said Thursday afternoon.

The popular Marin County beach was partially closed after an 8- to 10-foot great white shark was sighted around 2 p.m. Sunday.

According to a U.S. Coast Guard crew, the shark was spotted between 200 and 300 yards off of the popular North Bay beach. Officials said the shark spotted Sunday appeared to be eight to ten feet long.

Beach users were prohibited from going more than knee-deep in the water until Friday.

The offshore area extending from Bodega Bay down to Big Sur is known as the "Red Triangle" for its high number of great white shark sightings. The waters draw them because of the rich supply of food, including sea lions, elephant seals and whale carcasses.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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