Shark Attack

It seems as each summer passes there is anstrike occurring without warning. Repeat attempts to
increase in the number of shark attacks beingbite are not uncommon and multiple or sustained
reported throughout the world. Some would believebites are normal for these types of attacks making
this must mean there is an increase in the number ofthese injuries usually quite severe, frequently resulting
sharks attacking people in the water. Figurativelyin death. Rather than being a case of mistaken
speaking, an increase in the population could result inidentity, these attacks most likely occur as a result
an increase in attacks and more people to damage.of feeding or antagonistic behavior.
Realistically, it means our shark attack reportingIf you are a diver, here are a few tips to help you
system has become more efficient.avoid shark attacks during your dive: • Swim
Your odds of being attacked by a shark in the waterin a group. Sharks are less likely to attack a group of
are quite small. More people are injured and killed ondivers and are more likely to attack a lone diver.
land while driving to and from the beach than byKeep in mind you should at the very least, have a
sharks in the water. Shark attack injuries are also lessdive buddy with you during all dives.
common than injuries afflicted on the beach, such as• Avoid the water at night, dawn, or dusk.
spinal cord damage, jellyfish stings, dehydration, andSharks hunt at night. If you love night diving, dive
sunburn. More people require sutures as a result ofwith a group and make sure you have a dive lamp.
sea shell lacerations on their feet than shark bites.• Do not go in the water if you are bleeding.
You have a better chance of being hit by lightning,If you start to bleed while scuba diving, attempt to
dying from a bee sting or being hit on the head by astop the flow of blood as soon as possible. Sharks
falling coconut, than you do of being attacked by ahave an incredibly sensitive olfactory system and can
shark.smell and taste blood and other bodily fluids and trace
Most shark attacks occur quite close to shore inthe scent back to its source. Menstrual blood may
water 6-10 feet deep, on a sandbar or betweenalso attract sharks, but there is no indication of
sandbars. These are areas sharks are known to feedincreased attacks on menstruating women. Many
in and they may get caught in low tide. Swimmerswomen dive safely while menstruating and until
who are splashing and playing in these areas may becontrolled tests involving non-menstruating and
mistaken as prey. Underwater locations such as dropmenstruating women occur there is no definitive or
offs and walls are also likely attack sites as naturalscientifically proven data that states women are at
food sources also congregate in these areas. When amore risk of shark attack during menstruation.
shark has attacked a diver, the shark has most likely• Do not wear shiny jewelry. Shiny jewelry
mistaken the diver as prey or has been unexpectedlymay look like small fish to a shark.
startled by a diver.• If you see a shark during a scuba dive,
There are two types of attacks that usually involvestay calm, stay quiet, and stay where you are. Most
divers in deeper waters; "bump and bite" attacks andsharks are merely curious and will leave on their own.
"sneak" attacks. These types of attacks are lessIf a shark begins to get too interested in you and is
common than surface attacks, but result in greatermoving closer and closer, it is safest to leave the
injuries and the most fatalities. "Bump and bite"water. Swim quickly and smoothly, watching the
attacks are characterized by the shark initially circlingshark the entire time and keeping your dive buddy
and often bumping the victim prior to the actualwithin an arm's reach.
attack. "Sneak" attacks are characterized by the