MIAMI (Reuters) - A great white shark being tracked by marine researchers and weighing more than a ton is keeping scientists guessing after it has made its way from Massachusetts' Cape Cod to the northeast Gulf of Mexico this week. 
 
 Tagged in 2013 with a satellite tracking device, the great white known as Katharine is charting a groundbreaking map of the shark highway as scientists seek to discover its seasonal feeding grounds. 
 
 Katherine, was most recently spotted on Wednesday morning about 52 miles (84 kilometers) south of Cape San Blas in the Florida Panhandle. 
 
 But where it is headed next is unclear, according to the team of scientists tracking her. 
 
 "We just don't know. She could either turn west towards Texas or she could turn back and go out into deeper water," said Bob Hueter, part of the scientific team monitoring the movements of Katherine, as well as Betsy, another great white who was last spotted in the Gulf about 140 miles (225 kilometers) west of Sanibel island, south Florida on June 5. 
 
 The sharks already have defied expectations by staying in the warming summer waters of the Gulf, rather than heading back to the cooler seas off Cape Cod to feed on seals, said Hueter, director of the Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, on Florida's southwest coast. 
 
 Scientists have tracked the great white before in the Pacific and off Australia and South Africa, but never off the U.S. Atlantic coast, Hueter said. 
 
 Scientists knew that great whites came to Florida and frequented the Gulf of Mexico. But exactly how they got there was a mystery until Katharine, a young 14.5-foot (4.4-meter) and 2,300-pound (1,040-kilograms) shark, showed the way. 
 
 She can be tracked when she comes to the surface so that the device on her dorsal fin pings data points to the researchers, though those moments are unpredictable as sharks spend most of the time underwater. 
 
 "It's a like a teenager that doesn't call home as often as it should," Hueter said. 
 
 Katharine's travels, and those of other great whites tagged by Ocearch, a non-profit group that researches the top predators in the marine food chain, can be followed on Ocearch’s interactive tracking maps at www.ocearch.org. 

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 Photo: Ocearch.org Image 1 of / 40 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 40 Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 2 of 40 Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 3 of 40 Betsy was tagged just one day earlier and is more elusive coming to the surface just a few times since then. She was last tracked on June 5th about 120 miles off Sanibel Island Fl. Betsy was tagged just one day earlier and is more elusive coming to the surface just a few times since then. She was last tracked on June 5th about 120 miles off Sanibel Island Fl. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 4 of 40 Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 5 of 40 Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 6 of 40 The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 7 of 40 The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. Photo: Ocearch.com 
 
 Image 8 of 40 The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 9 of 40 The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. The tags send a signal back to base every time the sharks breaks the surface of the water. Scientists say after a brief recovery period the tags do not affect the sharks health. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 10 of 40 Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 11 of 40 Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Scientists raised Betsy up on a platform for 15 minutes during the tagging process. They use the time to take blood and do ultra sound tests as well as take other vital measurements. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 12 of 40 Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Katherine the great white shark was tagged off Cape Cod in August last year. Since then she has slowly made her way to the Gulf and is now heading for the Texas coast. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 13 of 40 Betsy was tagged just one day earlier and is more elusive coming to the surface just a few times since then. She was last tracked on June 5th about 120 miles off Sanibel Island Fl. Betsy was tagged just one day earlier and is more elusive coming to the surface just a few times since then. She was last tracked on June 5th about 120 miles off Sanibel Island Fl. Photo: Ocearch.org 
 
 Image 14 of 40 Shark sightings in the gulf of Mexico. Shark sightings in the gulf of Mexico. Photo: Jchauser, Getty Images 
 
 Image 15 of 40 Shark sightings in the gulf of Mexico. Shark sightings in the gulf of Mexico. Photo: Jchauser, Getty Images 
 
 Image 16 of 40 Bellaire teen may be shark bite victim Mikaela Amezaga, 14, displays a bite marks she believes were caused by a shark while she was swimming in Galveston, Saturday, June 7th. Bellaire teen may be shark bite victim Mikaela Amezaga, 14, displays a bite marks she believes were caused by a shark while she was swimming in Galveston, Saturday, June 7th. 
 
 Image 17 of 40 Shark swarm shuts down Gulf Coast beach 
 
 Beach goers were forced out of the water as 100 sharks swarmed the beaches around the Florida-Alabama state line in early June. Shark swarm shuts down Gulf Coast beach 
 
 Beach goers were forced out of the water as 100 sharks swarmed the beaches around the Florida-Alabama state line in early June. Photo: Al.com 
 
 Image 18 of 40 Scientists amazed by accidental catch of goblin shark This extremely rare Goblin shark was accidentally caught in a shrimp net off the coast of Key West in May 2014. Fishermen hoisted the ugly beast back into the water where it swam away. 
 
 less Scientists amazed by accidental catch of goblin shark This extremely rare Goblin shark was accidentally caught in a shrimp net off the coast of Key West in May 2014. Fishermen hoisted the ugly beast back into ... more Photo: Carl Moore 
 
 Image 19 of 40 Joey Polk missed out on the record books with his catch because he and his crew did not return the shark to the wild. Instead feeding it to 200 people at a community feast. The international land based shark fishing association requires sharks be released. less Joey Polk missed out on the record books with his catch because he and his crew did not return the shark to the wild. Instead feeding it to 200 people at a community feast. The international land based ... more Photo: Joey Polk 
 
 Image 20 of 40 Aerial footage showed more than a hundred sharks gathering off Gulf resorts in Alabama. Officials said they did not know what kind of sharks they were suggesting they could be Sand bar, Black Tip or Bull sharks. less Aerial footage showed more than a hundred sharks gathering off Gulf resorts in Alabama. Officials said they did not know what kind of sharks they were suggesting they could be Sand bar, Black Tip or Bull ... more Photo: WKRG 
 
 Image 21 of 40 A Beaumont fisherman unhooks a shark and drags it back out into the Gulf on July 4th weekend in Galveston in a video posted on Facebook. A Beaumont fisherman unhooks a shark and drags it back out into the Gulf on July 4th weekend in Galveston in a video posted on Facebook. Photo: Demarcus Arvie/Facebook 
 
 Image 22 of 40 It's thought the sharks were gathering to take advantage of snapper season which sees fishing groups litter the water with fish remains - a perfect shark buffet. It's thought the sharks were gathering to take advantage of snapper season which sees fishing groups litter the water with fish remains - a perfect shark buffet. Photo: Al.com 
 
 Image 23 of 40 Florida fisherman may have record with 800 pound mako shark 
 
 The Polk family caught this 805 Mako, 11 foot long in April in what they thought would be a new world record. Florida fisherman may have record with 800 pound mako shark 
 
 The Polk family caught this 805 Mako, 11 foot long in April in what they thought would be a new world record. Photo: Earnie Polk 
 
 Image 24 of 40 The crew had intended to keep the catch under wraps but the scene at this gas stations as they drove home was a bit of a give away. The crew had intended to keep the catch under wraps but the scene at this gas stations as they drove home was a bit of a give away. Photo: Joey Polk 
 
 Image 25 of 40 The family holds three land-based shark fishing records so far. The family holds three land-based shark fishing records so far. Photo: Earnie Polk 
 
 Image 27 of 40 The Polk family and their crew caught and released a huge hammerhead May 17th, it's girth measured a whopping 7 feet 8 inches, they said. The Polk family and their crew caught and released a huge hammerhead May 17th, it's girth measured a whopping 7 feet 8 inches, they said. Photo: Earnie Polk/Facebook 
 
 Image 28 of 40 Other animals spotted under an extremely rare goblin shark pulled out of the Gulf have scientists excited about what else is at the site. Other animals spotted under an extremely rare goblin shark pulled out of the Gulf have scientists excited about what else is at the site. Photo: Photo By Carl Moore 
 
 Image 29 of 40 The Goblin shark's jaw comes out like a second head to capture unsuspecting lunches swimming by. The Goblin shark's jaw comes out like a second head to capture unsuspecting lunches swimming by. Photo: The Science Channel/YouTube 
 
 Image 30 of 40 A gulf fishing group was treated to a rare whale shark sighting. 
 
 A group fishing in the Gulf caught a rare sighting of a whale shark in May 2014. The shark is the largest fish species in the world. A group fishing in the Gulf caught a rare sighting of a whale shark in May 2014. The shark is the largest fish species in the world. A gulf fishing group was treated to a rare whale shark sighting. 
 
 A group fishing in the Gulf caught a rare sighting of a whale shark in May 2014. The shark is the largest fish species in the world. A group fishing in the Gulf caught a rare sighting of a whale shark in May 2014. The shark is the largest fish species in the world. Photo: Tracey Gardner/You Tube 
 
 Image 31 of 40 A group fishing in the Gulf catch a rare sighting of a whale shark, the largest fish species in the world. A group fishing in the Gulf catch a rare sighting of a whale shark, the largest fish species in the world. Photo: Tracey Gardner/You Tube 
 
 Image 32 of 40 A group fishing in the Gulf catch a rare sighting of a whale shark, the largest fish species in the world. A group fishing in the Gulf catch a rare sighting of a whale shark, the largest fish species in the world. Photo: Tracey Gardner/You Tube 
 
 Image 34 of 40 Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Photo: From Video By Ashley Violet 
 
 Image 35 of 40 Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Photo: From Video By Ashley Violet 
 
 Image 36 of 40 Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Fisherman Noe Campus says he delivered around 30 shark pups after he got a hammerhead ashore and discovered a huge hole in her belly. He says he thinks she was biten by another shark while she was on his line. Photo: From Video By Ashley Violet 
 
 Image 37 of 40 Divers got a shock when a Great White shark was spotted on trip in Gulf. 
 
 Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast in April. Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast in April. Divers got a shock when a Great White shark was spotted on trip in Gulf. 
 
 Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast in April. Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast in April. Photo: Dane Kelly 
 
 Image 38 of 40 Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast. Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast. Photo: Dane Kelly 
 
 Image 39 of 40 Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast. Divers spotted the Great White ominously swimming by during a trip out 80 miles off the Florida coast. Photo: Dane Kelly 

 Stock photo of a great white shark. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto) 
 
 You can track online great white sharks Katherine and Betsy in the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 Researchers say Katherine, weighing 2,300 pounds, is only about 100 miles southwest from the Florida coast, and Betsy, at 1,400 pounds, was last tracked earlier this month 120 miles west of Sanibel Island, Fla., as first reported by The Houston Chronicle. 
 
 It's unclear where these sharks are headed because great whites are so infrequently spotted in the Gulf of Mexico, said Bob Hueter, director of the Center for Shark Research at the Mote Marine Laboratory, in an interview with USA TODAY Network. 
 
 The two sharks were tagged in August off the coast of Cape Cod by not-for-profit research organization Ocearch. That means Katherine and Betsy have traveled nearly 5,000 miles. 
 
 Although great whites have been studied and tracked in the Pacific Ocean, the research now on the great whites of the Atlantic is nascent. 
 
 "Every animal is causing us to reset what we thought was going on," he said. 
 
 It's not even known the number of great whites in the Atlantic, Hueter said. 
 
 A 2011 study found only 219 great whites at two sites in the Eastern North Pacific, but new research, released this week by the the Florida Program for Shark Research, puts the estimate at closer to 2,000 or more sharks in the Eastern North Pacific. 
 
 Great whites are the largest known predatory fish. They are targeted by hunters for their fins and teeth, as well as trophy fishing. Some are also caught as a "bycatch" in commercial fisheries, according to the World Wildlife Fund. 
 
 Although not listed as an endangered species, great white sharks are considered a protected species. 
 
 But in order to protect them, researchers need a better understanding of where they travel to, mate and give birth -- all things not yet known about the great whites in the Atlantic, Hueter said. 
 
 "if they're vulnerable enough they require protection, just throwing that protection over them in one restrictive part of their range isn't good enough," Hueter said. "We've got to understand what home means for them." 
 
 Follow @JolieLeeDC on Twitter. 
 
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– Two great white sharks, one of which weighs more than a ton, are swimming through the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas ... maybe. Both were tagged by researchers off Cape Cod in August, and you can follow the sharks' path at Ocearch.org, the Houston Chronicle reports. Every time they surface (a fairly unpredictable movement), their tags alert researchers; one also has a Twitter account. Katharine, who weighed 2,300 pounds and measured 14 feet long when she was tagged, last appeared on Wednesday roughly 50 miles south of Cape San Blas in the Florida Panhandle. But the scientists tracking her just don't know if she will "turn west towards Texas or ... turn back and go out into deeper water," Bob Hueter explains to Reuters. She's swum some 5,000 miles since August, staying near the coast on her journey. Betsy weighed 1,400 pounds and was 12 feet, 7 inches long when she was tagged, but both sharks have probably gotten bigger since then. Betsy was last spotted June 5, some 120 miles west of Sanibel, Fla. "Every animal is causing us to reset what we thought was going on," Hueter tells USA Today. For instance, he tells the Chronicle, experts previously believed the sharks went to the Gulf in the winter, when the waters aren't as warm; the expectation was that they'd summer off Cape Cod, and feed on seals there. (Let's hope they don't run into a 'mystery monster' like the one that recently ate a 9-foot great white shark in Australia.)