Reports of savage shark attacks continually reinforce our deep-rooted fear of one of the most resilient species in Earth’s history. However, the true extent of the danger sharks pose to humans remains uncertain. The documentary series, Shark Attacks, from Naked Science, embarks on a quest for answers, offering a captivating overview of the feeding habits and predatory behavior of these misunderstood creatures of the abyss.
According to John McCosker, an ichthyologist at the California Academy of Sciences, there are over 400 different species of sharks worldwide, with only around 30 being involved in unprovoked attacks on humans. Surprisingly, these attacks result in fatalities in only about 7% of cases. Sharks typically employ a strategy of incapacitating their prey with a single bite, allowing them to bleed out before consuming it. However, this pattern does not commonly apply to humans. Sharks do not perceive humans as a natural food source and exhibit little interest in consuming us.
The documentary focuses on the three shark species most frequently associated with human attacks: tiger sharks, bull sharks, and the renowned and formidable Great White.
One prominent case explored in the film is that of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm to a tiger shark in 2003. Interestingly, once the initial injury was inflicted, the shark showed little inclination to return to her. Tiger sharks are known as the ocean’s garbage disposals, as they devour almost anything they encounter. This indiscriminate feeding behavior might provide some insight into the motive behind Hamilton’s attack, but investigators cannot be entirely certain.
Why do shark attacks on humans seem to be increasing with each passing decade? At present, researchers can only speculate on the reasons. The most plausible explanation may be a simple matter of odds: as more people swim in waters inhabited by these predators, the likelihood of encounters naturally rises. Much remains to be discovered about sharks, as their mysteries are as vast and enigmatic as the oceans that harbor them.
