Sharks

Sharks are one of the most feared animals on the planet yet the risk of a shark bite is very low. Of the 350 species only 30 are known to attack man.

There are very documented shark deaths each year yet millions of sharks are slaughtered .

The few documented deaths are very traumatic and violent and this has led to a zealous hatred of sharks.

Sharks are not evil only wild animals. Humans are not normal prey and are usually avoided even by the known man-eaters.

Sharks can be stimulated by fresh odors, activity and vibrations, which could peak in a feeding frenzy. Explosions and crashes will attract neighboring sharks.

Women who are menstruating are not shark magnets because menstrual blood is not attractive to sharks. (This is also true with bears as well)

Sometimes a shark will bump and run where it rubs against a swimmer or take a small bite. This often leads to the person being identified as not prey and goes no further.

Even contact with sharkskin can cause abrasions and cuts and is not a pleasant feeling.

Sharks have exquisite smell and can detect one part of blood in a million so it is not a good idea to enter the water with small cuts or engage in spear fishing in shark waters.

Biting sharks are either surprised or threatened in their territory by people. Sharks attack surfers and people swimming because their upward silhouette resembles a seal which is fair game for sharks. Interesting this type of attack is not common in the South Pacific where there are few seals.

Sometimes a diver or swimmer will attempt to feed a shark or purposefully antagonize it

Feeding frenzies among sharks occur when one more shark is stimulated so that they will start aggressively biting the prey and each other resulting in themselves dying.

There are many opinions on what to do if a shark is in the vicinity. The best is to leave quietly quickly. Avoid splashing, yelling or panicking giving any reason for the shark to identify you as prey.

If scuba diving try to have something behind you or go to the bottom. This will limit the shark's access to you, as it needs to circle. If a shark attack seems unavoidable try to place an object between you and the shark which might even include a scuba tank.

Blowing bubbles has deterred some attacks.

Sharks rarely attack when there are 2 or more people together and there is safety n numbers. They also will usually ignore someone trying to rescue the victim of a shark bite and are more focused on the original person.

Bleeding should be stopped as soon as possible. This is usually impossible in the water so they must be quickly removed from the water.Victims survive better when maximally stabilized prior to transport.

Shark bites are also heavily contaminated with bacteria and foreign bodies including teeth so a medical person should examine the wound.

Shark Attacks although extremely rare are also traumatic for all involved.

Snorkelers and dives should avoid wearing rings and jewelry as these act like fishing lures to draw small biting fish to their fingers.

When encountering fish that may bite you, make a quick fist, as this will leave your digits less exposed and less of a target to a hungry fish.

Some shark enterprises are controversial where divers are allowed to feed sharks or view them from cages. Habituating wild animals to human beings is not a good idea especially when food is involved and just because there have been no serious attacks to date does not mean this is safe