Sharks Bite 70 a Year We Kill 20 Million
Sharks are considered to be incredibly dangerous animals by the general public, with many people being scared just to look at them. The majority of sharks do look scary, indeed, with sharp teeth, small eyes and a muscular and powerful body. Combine this appearance with the bad name given to sharks by horror movies, and you get the image that most of us have in our minds about sharks being the bad boys of the sea. While there are numerous shark species that are aggressive, attacking at the smallest sign they interpret as provocation, the majority of these beautiful animals are completely harmless. As a matter of fact, sharks are in far more danger of being attacked by humans than we are of being killed by them. Sharks bite roughly 70 people each year worldwide, while we kill somewhere between 20-100 million sharks every year, so it is worth having a closer look at how dangerous sharks really are.
Normally, sharks do not bite people or attack them in any way. When they do, they usually mistake the humans swimming in the shallow waters for the prey they were actually looking for. In most cases, the shark recognizes the mistake after the first bite – unfortunately, their jaws are so strong that even this first bite causes very severe damage.
There are over 500 species of sharks known to scientists today and more than 80% of them are small and completely harmless to humans. There are actually only three species of sharks that are dangerous for humans: bull sharks, tiger sharks and great white sharks. All three of them are quite widespread around the world; they are large and they all feed on large-sized prey, such as sea turtles and other mammals.
One of the best ways is to stay away from the areas that sharks use as feeding grounds and you should avoid swimming in areas with increased fishing activity, too. Sharks are active during the night, at dawn and around dusk, so make sure you stay away from dangerous waters during these periods of the day. If you are diving in an area frequented by sharks, avoid colorful swimsuits and don’t wear any shiny objects such a watch – colors and brightness attract the sharks. If a shark is already near you, try to move calmly and avoid splashing – erratic movements may draw the shark’s attention to you and might also make you appear wounded and weak, increasing the risk of getting attacked.
Sharks are extraordinary creatures. These top predators have remained genetically unchanged for millions of years and they have a crucial role in preserving the balance of marine biomes. The equilibrium of the ecosystems in the seas and oceans is very delicate, and that is why it is very important to limit the rate at which we, humans, kill sharks, regardless of the occasional dangers these beautiful animals pose for tourists.
Title: Why Do Sharks Bite People?
Introduction: Sharks have long been regarded as one of the ocean’s most feared predators, with a reputation for occasionally biting humans. While shark attacks on humans are relatively rare, they do happen, and understanding the reasons behind these incidents is essential for both public safety and the conservation of these remarkable creatures. In this article, we will delve into the key factors that may lead to shark bites on humans.
- Mistaken Identity: Sharks are carnivorous hunters with keen senses, particularly their sense of smell and electroreception. In some cases, shark bites on humans can be attributed to cases of mistaken identity. Sharks might confuse swimmers or surfers with their natural prey, such as seals or fish. This misidentification can lead to a sudden, aggressive strike, as sharks are hardwired to seize their prey swiftly.
- Investigative Biting: Sharks, like many other animals, use their mouths to explore their environment. They may bite objects, including humans, to investigate and gain information about unfamiliar items in their surroundings. These investigative bites are often not intended as predatory attacks but can result in injuries due to the shark’s sharp teeth and powerful jaws.
- Feeding Behavior: Some shark species are known to be opportunistic feeders and may scavenge for food. If a shark encounters a person in the water who is bleeding or has open wounds, it may be drawn by the scent of blood. This situation can lead to a shark bite as the animal investigates the source of the odor.
- Protecting Territory: Sharks are territorial creatures, and they may defend their territory or perceived threat by using aggressive behavior. In such cases, if a human enters a shark’s territory or unintentionally invades its personal space, the shark might respond with a defensive bite to ward off the perceived intruder.
- Provocation: In rare instances, human actions such as harassing or provoking a shark can lead to a bite. Interfering with a shark, feeding them from boats, or attempting to touch or ride them can be perceived as threats by these animals, leading to defensive or aggressive behavior.
- Species and Location: It is important to note that not all shark species are equally likely to bite humans. Some, like the great white shark, are responsible for a majority of shark attacks on humans, while others, such as the whale shark, are generally considered harmless to humans. Additionally, the geographic location plays a significant role, as some areas have a higher prevalence of shark-human interactions.
Conclusion: Shark bites on humans are relatively rare events, considering the vastness of the ocean and the number of people who enjoy aquatic activities. Understanding the reasons behind these incidents is crucial for promoting coexistence and reducing the risk of shark attacks. It is important to emphasize that sharks are vital components of marine ecosystems, and their conservation is essential. By respecting their territory, avoiding provocation, and being aware of the factors that can lead to shark bites, we can continue to enjoy our oceans while minimizing potential risks.
