There are more that 465 known species of sharks. Sharks are apex marine predators and help regulate the ocean populations. Sharks exist on diets consisting of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, plankton, krill, marine mammals and other sharks. [3] X Research source
Mosquitoes, bees, and snake bites are responsible for more deaths each year than sharks. You are more likely to get beach-related injuries such as spinal damage, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and sunburn than you are a shark attack injury. [5] X Research source From 1990-2009, 15,000 people died in bicycle-related fatalities while only 14 people died from a shark attack. During that same period in Florida, over 112,000 people were injured in bicycle-related incidents while there were only 435 shark-related injuries. [6] X Research source You are more likely to get attacked by a domestic dog than a shark. [7] X Research source 40,000 people die annually in auto accidents in the United States.
Mosquitoes, bees, and snake bites are responsible for more deaths each year than sharks. You are more likely to get beach-related injuries such as spinal damage, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and sunburn than you are a shark attack injury. [5] X Research source From 1990-2009, 15,000 people died in bicycle-related fatalities while only 14 people died from a shark attack. During that same period in Florida, over 112,000 people were injured in bicycle-related incidents while there were only 435 shark-related injuries. [6] X Research source You are more likely to get attacked by a domestic dog than a shark. [7] X Research source 40,000 people die annually in auto accidents in the United States.
Tiger sharks are known to be social animals that divers have swum around safely. Great whites can be territorial and try to scare you out of their water, and they are curious, so they may bite to figure out what you are; however, there are accounts of large great whites being social animals that will play with divers. [8] X Research source Divers all over the world have been known to dive among bull sharks. [9] X Research source Whale sharks, one of the largest species of sharks, feeds mostly on plankton and is characterized as gentle. [10] X Research source
The other common reason shark bites occur is due to mistaken identity. Certain swimwear can confuse sharks. Wearing contrasting colors, like black and white or neon and black, along with patterns with high contrasting colors can confuse sharks into thinking the lighter sections of your swimwear is a fish.
90% of the ocean’s shark population has been depleted since 1970. Due to this, many species of sharks are on the endangered species list, and several species of sharks will become extinct in our lifetimes.
38% of so-called shark attacks reported from 1970-2009 in New South Wales, Australia resulted in no injury at all. [14] X Research source A group of shark scientists have started campaigning to get the media terminology changed so that news reports would use terminology ranging from shark sighting and shark encounter to fatal shark bites so that the news media might stop perpetuating negative and harmful stereotypes about sharks. [15] X Research source
It’s okay to work up to this gradually—you might go from reading about sharks to looking at pictures and videos of them. Then, you might take a trip to an aquarium and maybe pet a smaller shark in a splash pool. Once you’re very comfortable with all of that, you might consider swimming with them. [17] X Expert Source Ashley Smith, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 22 October 2021. Go diving or snorkeling in the ocean. Diving or snorkeling can give you a clear view of the ocean, where you can see that there are very few - if any - sharks in most ocean water, while it’s full of coral, reefs, and fish. If you do swim among some sharks, you will realize that most sharks are docile creatures uninterested in humans. [18] X Research source
When out in the water, put your hands in the water to help you get over your fears of the unknown.
If you are truly afraid of getting close to a shark even behind glass, look at pictures of sharks. Watch documentaries and programs that feature the true nature of sharks instead of painting them as cold-blooded killers. Become comfortable with the reality of sharks, then slowly progress towards seeing them at the aquarium. [20] X Research source
Stay close to the shore. Try to stay away from steep drop offs and channel openings. Sharks are known to congregate in these places.
Be cautious during full and new moons, too. These lunar cycles are when the tides are highest and may alter a shark’s breeding or behavioral pattern.
If you want to go diving to swim with sharks, always go with someone who is experienced in swimming with sharks. They can help ensure your safety. Learn about how to behave around sharks before diving with sharks, and learn as much about sharks as you can beforehand.
Also refrain from swimming, diving, or surfing around areas that have dead, bleeding fish that could attract sharks.
Try to move away from the shark as calmly and slowly as possible, though swim quickly if the shark is following you. [24] X Research source
