Sharks are, arguably, the most feared animals in the ocean. Somewhat unfairly, they have gained a reputation as terrible brutes that can’t resist the taste of humans.
Stats show that this just isn’t the case. Seven people died from shark bites in 2024, according to the International Shark Attack File. For comparison, more than 100 die annually by getting caught in a rip current. The risk of a shark fatality is incredibly low, especially considering that around one billion people live within 10 km (6.2 miles) of a coastline.
- How deadly are sharks to humans?
The deadliest animals to humans: Discover nature’s top – most lethal – killers
Sharks have been on the planet for around 450 million years – that’s longer then trees, let alone humans. Us landlubbers just aren’t their natural prey.
There are more than 500 different species of shark, each with their own dietary preferences. Some, like gargantuan whale sharks and basking sharks, feed on tiny plankton while others snack on fish or small crustaceans.
Of course, accidents happen. “Sharks have been known to attack humans when they are confused or curious,” according to NOAA’s website. “If a shark sees a human splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack.”
The International Shark Attack File’s records, which go back more than 125 years, show fewer than 25 species have bitten humans.
But, even if the first bite was accidental, once a shark has had a taste of us, are they hooked forever? As much as movies would like us to believe that a switch flips in their head that makes them crave human meat (ahem, Jaws…), this isn’t known to happen. Shark bites are usually a case of tragic mistaken identity.
“Rogue sharks are fictional depictions of sharks that develops a taste for people,” says the Florida Museum on its website. “There is no scientific evidence that individual sharks repeatedly bite or hunt humans.”
Think about it. The species of shark most likely to bite humans are great whites, bull sharks and tiger sharks. For these large predatory sharks, which need lots of energy, the thick blubber of a whale or seal is much more appealing than our bony little bodies.
Although bites are incredibly rare, you can minimise your risk of a negative encounter by avoiding in murky water, near fishers, or at dusk or dawn, taking off shiny jewellery (the sparkles can attract sharks) and never swimming alone.
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Top image: Getty
