About Shark Attacks

How many shark attacks happen each year?

Sharks attack some 50-75 people each year worldwide, with perhaps 8-12 fatalities, according to data compiled in the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). In 2004, 61 shark attacks were recorded world wide, with 7 fatalities.

Which sharks attack humans?

Of the 350 or so shark species, about 80% grow to less than 5 feet (1.6 meters) and are unable to hurt people or rarely encounter people. Only 32 species have been documented in attacks on humans, and an additional 36 species are considered potentially dangerous. Three species have been identified repeatedly in attacks: the great white, tiger, and bull sharks.

Where do shark attacks occur?

Most shark attacks occur in nearshore waters, typically inshore of a sandbar where sharks may be confined at low tide. Sharks may also congregate along steep drop-offs, near channels, or at river mouths, because their natural food items congregate there.

Why do sharks attack?

There may be a number of reasons why sharks attack humans. Some attacks may be purely an inquisitive testing, some may be territorial responses, some could be due to unintentional interference by the victim in shark courtship activities, and some may be directly associated with feeding behaviors. Some scientists speculate that shark attacks on humans often are cases of mistaken identity, except in unusual situations such as when a sinking ship throws many people into the open water.

What are the different types of shark attacks?

Unprovoked sharks attacks can be categorized as hit and run, bump and bite, or sneak attacks. Hit and run attacks typically occur in the surf zone with swimmers and surfers as targets. The victim seldom sees the attacker and the shark doesn't reutrn after inflicting a bite. These attacks are likely due to mistaken identity where water visibility is poor, wave and current action are high, and human recreational activities are present. Bump and bite attacks are characterized by the shark circling and often bumping the victim prior to the attack. Sneak attacks occur without warning. In both cases, repeat attacks are common and injuries are usually quite sever, sometimes fatal. These shark attacks may be the result of deliberate feeding or combative behaviors rather than cases of mistaken identity.

What was the "Summer of the Shark"?

The so-called Summer of the Shark was in 2001 when several shark attacks made media headlines and became a hot topic of discussion for news networks. A bull shark attack on an 8-year-old boy at a Pensacola beach that ended with the boy's uncle wrestling the shark and the lifeguard retrieving the severed arm from the shark's mouth quickly became a media sensation. Press helicopters recorded videos of sharks swimming close to beaches populated with people. Two shark fatalities in Virginia and North Carolina added to the sensation. The heavy coverage on shark attacks negatively impacted shark populations around the world because more sharks were killed in response to public fear. Scientists are trying to show the public a more realistic side to the shark, in addition to studying the effects of the media on the public's perception of the shark. Mote Magazine recently published an article on sharks in the media.