It also features the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the film that began its national shark obsession in 1975.
Why are people so fascinated by sharks? Perhaps it’s a mixture of charm, fear, and respect for their strength. According to the National Marine Agency’s National Marine Sanctuary, as one of the world’s top predators, sharks are essential to the marine environment, yet dangerous and beautiful.
According to NOAA, as the top ocean predators, sharks maintain their balance by eating diseased, weak or abundant animals (a rich animal such as fish, marine mammals and other marine life).
According to the World Wildlife Fund, despite its horrifying reputation, only three of the 350+ shark species are believed to be responsible for about two-thirds of all shark attacks.
How common is shark attack?
You’re much more likely to be hit by lightning than you’re attacked by a shark. Shark attacks are considered extremely rare. According to the NOAA, the state’s natural history museum, the Florida Museum, could be attacked by one in 115 million people by a shark, and one in 1.2 million people could be hit by lightning in a given year.
As of July 7th, eight shark attacks occurred in five states: Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, New York and South Carolina, according to Trackingsharks. In 2024, there were 28 shark attacks in the US, down from 36 in 2023. Since 2021, shark attacks have been declining.
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According to data released by International Shark Attack File, 2024 was a “very quiet year” for Shark Bites around the world. 47 untaunted attacks have been reported worldwide. This was 22 fewer than in 2023, and the average for 10 years was well below the age of 70. On average, six fatal attacks are reported each year.
Shark species are most frequently linked to attacks
These are the five shark species that are most frequently cited in non-fatal and provocative attacks on humans.
The US is leading the world in shark attacks
The majority of US incidents occur off the coast of Florida, according to international shark attack files. That might be too surprising given that Florida has the longest coastline in the adjacent US.
How to reduce the risk of attacks
- I have a swimming partner. Do not enter the water alone.
- Do not swim at dawn or dusk. The low light can increase the risk of sharks being mistaken for other prey.
- Do not enter the water where there is a fishing industry.
- Do not wear shiny jewels. It can grab the sunlight and glow just like a fish feeding.
- Please do not splash. It produces similar sounds to the sounds of struggling fish that can attract sharks.
Doyle Rice contributed by Natalie Neysa Alund/USA Today
