Fear of Sharks: Misconceptions and Facts

Unprovoked Shark Attacks: A Rare Occurrence

Despite the fear and fascination surrounding sharks, unprovoked shark attacks on humans are extremely rare. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) at the Florida Museum of Natural History, only 120 alleged shark attacks were investigated in 2021.

Provoked Bites and Misconceptions

Many shark "attacks" are actually provoked bites, where a shark is startled or threatened by a human. For instance, researchers did not blame a British man for his fatal encounter with a great white shark in Australia, as he was spearfishing in an area known for shark activity.

Global Statistics

The ISAF reported 69 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2021, significantly lower than previous years. In comparison, provoked bites accounted for 22 incidents.

Risk Assessment

When considering the rate of unprovoked shark attacks per million people, the risk is infinitesimally small. In fact, the chances of being struck by lightning are significantly higher than being attacked by a shark.