Shark attack beach may be closed

Authorities are considering closing a beach in Western Australia's north west where a woman was attacked by a shark.

A 38-year-old woman was wading in knee-deep water at Warroora beach near Coral Bay yesterday when she was bitten on the left leg.

She was flown to Perth last night to undergo surgery.

Two officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation have gone to the remote beach, about 900 kilometres north of Perth.

They are erecting temporary signs and warning swimmers about the attack.

Jeanette Kirby from the Department says there are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of a shark attack, including overcast conditions.

"There was a big swell yesterday so that can add to the risk," she said.

Ms Kirby says the Department is yet to speak to the woman to determine what happened.