Shark Attack

total attacks, non-fatal attacks, and fatal attacks between 1990 and 2006. On average there are 56 shark attacks worldwide per year, only 5 of which are fatal. In the United States, California, Florida, and Hawaii may have a higher risk for shark attacks because of the popularity of surfing and warmer temperatures enticing people to go in the water. However, in reported attacks people most often identifed their predator as a Great White between 10 and 15 feet long. Great Whites are well known for their "ambush attack," in which they attempt to demobilize their prey with one bite. 40 percent of victims also reported that they were only bitten once, after which they were either able to escape or get help. Sharks may be scary with row upon row of sharp, glistening teeth, but in most places you actually have a much better chance of dying from being struck by lightning than being attacked by a shark. (Note: A shark attack is defined as any type of aggression towards a victim.) In fact, humans may be more of a threat to sharks; over 200 species of sharks are endangered and commercial fisheries caught over 600,000 tons of shark in 2000. For more information, check out the Shark Foundation or Shark Week on the Discovery Channel.]]>