Are all sharks dangerous predators or is it another one of those shark tales?
What are facts and what are shark tales?
Close your eyes. Remember the heart thumping music from the movie Jaws that was speeding up as the famous Great White shark proceeded to attack his next victim? What about the three genetically engineered Mako sharks of Deep Blue Sea, which became not only bigger and meaner but also smarter, thanks to science and technology? Finally, did you ever considered the possibility of being forgotten in shark infested waters during the diving experience of a lifetime? These movies all have something in common. They all depicted sharks as cold blooded killers feeding on humans as their favorite targets. Does it reflect reality or are these movies mostly based on Hollywood’s favorite shark tales? Let’s see…
First of all, if you watch these movies, the first thing that you will notice is the fact that humans are these sharks’ favorite targets. Well, facts tell us a different story. You see, while many shark species tend to attack their preys from underneath or from behind, most human victims are wearing wet suits, which confuse them as they make them look like seals and sea lions. These preys are leading their menu list as they are full of tasty blubber, which is more attractive to sharks than bony humans.
Second, not all sharks are considered dangerous to humans. In fact, 80% of the 350 known shark species represent no danger to humans. They are either too small, live in deep waters, their natural habitat will make it unlikely to come in contact with humans or simply that plankton is their main food source.
Third, most sharks that are likely to attack humans, on purpose are either fighting for the same prey such as it is the case with spear fishing divers, they protect their territory or they are simply defending themselves.
Fourth, most shark attack victims will do something to attract sharks such as swimming with an open wound, a woman will swim while having her period, they will wear jewelry, wear lively colors, feed sharks some chum or live baits, etc.
Fifth, most human victims of shark attacks are usually injured or dead as sharks prefer easy preys during events such as shipwrecks. A good example of such shark attacks are the days that followed the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in July 1945. There were about two dozens of shark attack victims, of which most were dead, injured or isolated.
Sixth, the size and strength of the Great White shark in Jaws and of the Mako sharks in Deep Blue Sea were representing the exceptions to the rule, not the average type of these species. In fact, the hosts of the show Myth Busters, which is on Discovery Channel, have proven that such strength and speed is not only unlikely but also nearly impossible to achieve, even according to the size of these specimens.
Seventh, size does not mean that the bigger sharks are, the most dangerous they are to humans. In fact, the two largest shark species that swim in our oceans are plankton eaters, which mean that humans are not even close to make their menu list. This is why; divers and scientists sometimes go for a swim in their company. These two shark species are known as the Whale shark and the Basking shark.
Eight, small sharks such as the lantern shark, are just simply too small to be of any threat to humans. These predators have other food sources to focus on. The type that is small enough for them to ingest.
Ninth, while the bull shark and the tiger shark are amongst the top three sharks species that are mostly involved in unprovoked shark attacks on humans, none of them prefer humans to seals of fish. In fact, the type of shark attacks they usually tend to perform are called: “Hit and Run” as they tend to confuse them with their favorite preys.
Tenth, sharks usually attack for a reason. They are either: hungry, defending themselves or their territory. They may be cold blooded, but they do not kill for revenge or for pleasure. Only humans do that and call it a sporting event.
As you can see, I do not say that sharks are not responsible for unprovoked shark attacks on humans. I simply provide you with some factual information, giving you the opportunity to realize what part of Hollywood movies are actually based on reality rather than shark tales.
About the Author
My name is Sylvie Leochko. I am fascinated by sharks, which is why I like to share my acquired knowledge about them with others. If you wish to learn more about sharks, I invite you to visit the following website: http://sharks.findoutnow.org .
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