A marine biologist studying sharks for 30 years experienced for the first time getting bitten by the predator fish.

Mauricio Hoyos of Baja California, Mexico, was 40 meters underwater off Cocos Island in Costa Rica in September when he was attacked by a 3-meter-long female Galapagos shark, the BBC reported.

Hoyos was attaching an acoustic tag to the shark’s fin to help pinpoint its mating and spawning grounds when it suddenly turned on him instead of fleeing as usual and bit his head.

In another unusual move by the shark, it opened its jaws and let go of Hoyos’ head, and he quickly swam to the surface while bleeding to be rescued.

Hoyos miraculously survived to tell his ordeal, and his wounds quickly healed, allowing him to return to work, though the shark’s bite left scars on his face.

Meanwhile, an 88-year-old woman also suffered from a biting attack at her home in Seattle, Washington, United States, on 13 October.

Emma Cotton was cleaning household products in the back porch when an unidentified man appeared from behind and punched her in the face, People reported.

The man then demanded her belongings. When the octogenarian refused, the man dragged the old lady to the garage, started beating her, and then bit off one of her fingers, according to People.

The thief then fled with Cotton’s finger, which had a diamond ring on it.

The old lady was hospitalized but survived the attack, and her three sons are now appealing for help to anyone who can point to the attacker so he can be arrested and charged with battery, physical injury and theft.