Many people wonder why sharks attack surfers. The truth is, they are not afraid of humans. In fact, sharks use the mouth to detect new objects and gauge their value as food.
Humans are low in BMI, which makes them an easy target for sharks because they have low fat content. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, human attacks on surfboards have actually helped save lives in the past.
The Science Behind Shark Attacks
Scientists are learning about sharks’ innate predatory instincts and how they avoid humans. Sharks’ sensitivity to certain sensory cues varies from species to species, but they generally avoid human contact.
While most attacks are fatal, they are relatively rare. The Australian Institute of Marine Science estimates that there are only about ten shark-human fatalities worldwide per year. However, falling coconuts are responsible for at least 150 human deaths every year. Because of this, lethal measures to prevent shark attacks have the potential to damage the numbers of shark populations.
While shark bites on humans are rare, the frequency is high enough to cause substantial public concern and ultimately, to prevent further attacks. Thankfully, there are some ways that people can help victims survive shark attacks.
For one, learning how to stop blood loss can save a life. In 2005, doctors and nurses helped a boy who had been attacked off the coast of Cape San Blas, Florida, survive. This is an excellent example of how human aid can save a shark victim’s life.
While there are many causes of shark attacks, the most common is mistaken identity. Studies have shown that sharks are likely to misidentify humans as seals or a fish. However, there are also instances when humans are mistaken for seals, such as at gender reveal parties.
The science behind shark attacks is still in its early stages but has a promising future. The study findings will help us learn about shark behavior.
How Humans Detect Shark & What Causes Shark Attack
While some people may think that sharks don’t attack humans, that’s not the case. These predators are in the upper echelon of the food chain, which has allowed them to evolve over 100 million years and develop a vicious attitude. As a result, humans have instinctively been wary of the water. In many cases, victims are only left with minor limb injuries.
Of the more than 480 species of sharks, only a small number are considered dangerous to humans. Only three species are responsible for the two-digit number of fatal attacks on humans. Many more castaways have been killed by the oceanic whitetip.
It is an enormous predator, and the movie Oceans (2010) shows footage of humans swimming with them. Although most shark attacks are unprovoked, some do result in fatalities.
Researchers have discovered that most attacks on humans occur within a few hundred yards of shore. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people enter the ocean within a few hundred yards of shore. This increase in population does not mean that sharks are becoming more aggressive.
The more people that take coastal vacations, the more likely it is that they will encounter a shark. Fortunately, most attacks are unreported because the sharks are in an unprotected habitat.
What is the World’s Deadliest Shark?
There are many types of sharks, but the most deadly shark is likely the great white. This species is responsible for 314 documented human attacks. It has strong jaws and can do a lot of damage with a sample bite.
In fact, some experts have even ranked this shark as the deadliest. However, this is far from a scientific certainty. If you are a shark expert, here are some tips on identifying these dangerous creatures.
The great white shark is the most feared shark in the world. This shark is responsible for 27 human deaths in 69 unprovoked attacks. It is also the most dangerous shark species when it investigates humans.
There is some evidence to suggest that bull sharks can kill humans, but this is a speculative notion. This species is also commonly found in freshwater. Despite its name, the bull shark is a very dangerous shark.
The great white shark is the world’s deadliest shark. This species of shark is about eleven to 21 feet long and weighs around forty pounds (18 kilograms). Despite its deadly size, blacktips rarely cause major injuries. Despite this, there are still 41 documented attacks involving this shark, which resulted in no fatalities. It’s a great way to protect yourself and your family, as this shark is known to bite humans in the water.
