Shark Attacks

A shark attack refers to an attack by a shark on a human. Though attacks can be fatal, they usually are not. In 2007, 71 attacks occurred, but only one, a swimmer in the South Pacific, was fatal International Shark Attack File: ISAF Statistics(September 18, 2008). Tiger, Bull and Great White sharks are the species responsible for most attacks.

On March 2, 2009, 15-year-old surfer Andrew Lindop was attacked by a shark on a popular beach in northern Sydney, the third attack in the last three weeks. He was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in stable condition.Times Online: Beaches empty after surfer is attacked by a shark in Sydney (March 2, 2009)

• 50 of 77 worldwide attacks occurred in the U.S. Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low(February 13, 2008)
• With 12, Australia experienced the second highest attacks Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low (February 13, 2008)
• 55 percent of those attacked were surfers and wind surfers Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low (February 13, 2008)
• 38 percent were swimmers or waders Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low(February 13, 2008)
• 6 percent were scuba divers and snorkelers Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low (February 13, 2008)
• Within the past four years, the number of shark attack fatalities has declined but the number of attacks has risen Mongabay.com: Fatal Shark Attacks Hit a 20 Year Low (February 13, 2008)
• Based on 2007 statistics, the average person is 29 times more likely to be killed by a dog than shark International Shark Attack File: The Relative Risk of Shark Attack (June 2007).

The Tiger, Bull and Great White sharks are the "Big Three" species that are responsible for most attacks and fatalities on humans. This is because they are the largest and most powerful species capable of the most harm, they are at the top of the food chain and regard even large animals as prey, they typically inhabit waters that humans use for recreation, and their teeth are meant to shear flesh instead of simply to grip like smaller sharks' teeth. International Shark Attack File: The Relative Risk of Shark Attack (June 2007)

• Swim in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack solitary creatures. International Shark Attack File: Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter (June 2007)
• Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk or night. Sharks are more active during these times. International Shark Attack File: Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter (June 2007)
• Do not swim when bleeding. Sharks are attracted to blood. International Shark Attack File: Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter (June 2007)
• Avoid areas being used by commercial fisherman.
• Avoid steep drop-offs or sandbars. Sharks tend to like these areas. International Shark Attack File: Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter (June 2007)
• Stay out of murky water. National Parks Conservation Association: Avoiding Shark Attack (1999)
• Don't wear flashy jewelry because it resembles the shine of fish gills to sharks. International Shark Attack File: Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter (June 2007)
• Upon seeing a shark, swim calmly and slowly to safety. Sharks are attracted to sudden movements. National Parks Conservation Association: Avoiding Shark Attack (1999)
• If attacked, try to hit the shark where it is sensitive: gills, eyes or nose. National Geographic: Shark Attack Video (2008)