Why do sharks attack? Sharks really aren’t very interested in hunting humans, even though we might be such an easy meal for them.
Most of the more than 400 different shark species are not harmful to people.
Since humans are not part of their normal food, the majority of sharks are not harmful to humans. Sharks rarely, if ever, attack humans despite their terrifying reputation. Instead, they prefer to prey on fish and marine mammals.
Of the 400 known shark species, only about 10 are considered to be “dangerous” to humans.
There are fewer than 100 shark attacks each year worldwide. Death occurs in less than twenty. And typically, blood loss is what brings about this.
Since we are not sharks’ natural prey, it is scarce and unlikely that one would ever consume a human. According to experts, when a shark bites into human flesh, it frequently spits the flesh out or vomits it up.
Sharks can indeed detect very little amounts of blood in the water. They are, however, only truly drawn to the blood and body fluids of fish and marine mammals, which are their natural prey, according to certain studies.
Sharks are known to react most strongly to the odours given off by damaged or distressed prey, according to experiments. If the target is healthy and unharmed, the shark does not react as strongly to it.
It’s a common misconception that sharks are “eating machines.” However, other species only consume roughly 2% of their body weight daily because they are mostly cold-blooded. That is a little less than what people normally eat. Even months can pass before they consume anything at all.
Typical Causes of Human Shark Bites:
Mistaken Identity: From below the water’s surface, a surfer’s or swimmer’s silhouette resembles a sea lion or a turtle in both size and shape.
Poor Visibility: A shark finds it challenging to see, smell, and recognize its prey in cloudy, turbid, and turbulent water.
Time of Day – Sharks hunt for prey primarily during dusk, dawn, and at night. These times present a greater risk to those using the water.
Location – Fish spawning grounds are frequently found in river and lake mouths, which typically have poor water quality. making it the perfect place for sharks to find food.
Large schools of baitfish are frequently spotted close to the coast. These are appealing food sources because they are natural prey items for sharks. If there are many fish present or if you are close to where fish are being caught or cleaned, avoid going into the water.
Shared Habitat – Some sharks, like the bull shark, may live in areas where people also live, like canals, estuaries, and rivers. We are likelier to receive an unintentional bite just because we share the same surroundings. Even more so, given the frequently encountered silty water conditions and poor visibility in rivers.
Think about Shark Safety
Swim with others.
Steer clear of the water at dawn and dusk.
Avoid fish schools, especially if the fish are leaping out of the water.
Avoid wearing jewellery since a shark can mistake metal jewellery for a darting fish.
Refrain from splashing excessively because sharks are attracted to the sounds of injured creatures.
When diving, wearing dark clothes, such as a black wetsuit, might also lessen the likelihood of drawing a shark’s notice.
Avoid unpleasant conditions, such as water that is muddy or turbid. include estuaries and river mouths. Sharks’ sense of smell and vision may be compromised by poor weather.
Swim with a partner.
If there are several dolphins, seabirds, or fish around, stay out of the water. A huge fish school may be indicated by dolphins and marine birds, which may also draw sharks.
Be mindful of locations with common habitats, such as rivers and canals.
Do not annoy or frighten sharks. Sharks often won’t attack unless they feel threatened.
An excellent strategy to increase your own understanding of shark safety is to become more familiar with shark behaviour and biology.
An excellent strategy to increase your own understanding of shark safety is to become more familiar with shark behaviour and biology.
Attack risk is small. You are really fortunate if you ever see a shark in the wild. Enjoy the ocean, but keep in mind that it is a shared resource.
Sources
http://www.saveoursharks.com.au/why-sharks-attack.html
www.adventure.howstuffworks.com/shark-attack.htm, www.news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0804_040804_shark_attack.html
www.news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0613_050613_sharkfacts.html
www.sharks.org.au/recommendations.html
www.sharktrust.org/content.asp?did=26297
https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/shark-tossed-surfer-3m-into-the-air-1729478
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190808-why-do-sharks-attack-humans
