A Colorado girl visiting South Padre Island was hospitalized after a suspected shark bite Thursday. 

According to SPI Public Information Officer Nikki Soto, at approximately 3 p.m., the SPI Fire Department responded to the 900 Block of the beach regarding an 11-year-old girl with injuries to her thigh.      

The family, visiting from the northern state, told firefighters they saw a shark in the water nearby. 

The child was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. 

SPI Fire Chief Jim Pigg says shark bites are rare on the island.