Girl bitten by shark returns home

Emerald Isle, N.C. — A 14-year-old girl who was likely bitten by a shark off Emerald Isle has gotten out the hospital and returned home to Sneads Ferry.

Baileigh Foster was swimming in waist-deep water when she was bitten in the foot around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

A doctor at Cartert General Hospital, where Baileigh was treated, said she suffered lacerations consistent with those inflicted by a shark bite.

Baileigh said she had never thought a shark would attack her.

"It did, and I was surprised, but it's just one out of a million chances," Baileigh said.

She underwent surgery to repair ligament damage and was released from the hospital on Friday.

Doctors said they expect Baileigh to make a full recovery in time for her to play on her high-school soccer team this fall.

Baileigh said she will not be afraid to go swimming in the ocean again – but does not plan to swim at dusk again.

Shark attacks are more frequent in the early morning and evening when sharks are feeding in the dim light.