Along the California coast, they can be found hunting near elephant seal haul-out areas from October through March. Though considered an open-ocean dweller, it frequently wanders into shallow waters, and even into surf zones. In North American Waters, it has been reported from Newfoundland to Florida, and from Southeast Alaska to southern California. Nowhere in its range is it very common. Very little is known about the reproductive process of the white shark.
Development is ovoviviparous.
The smallest known free swimming white shark measured 51 in. and 36 lbs. Along the West coast of North America, it is believed that white sharks give birth to their live young in the warmer southern California waters. They young may then slowly migrate northward as they grow larger. Using their dark dorsal colors to help them blend in while cruising near rocky bottoms, they watch for unsuspecting seals on the surface above. When an acceptable animal is sighted, they accelerate quickly and ram into the seal, stunning it, and at the same time take a large bite from the animal.