Human-Shark Encounters Might Not Always Tell the Whole Story, Researchers Argue
Shark Attacks: Not Always the Predator's Fault
Take a step back from the common belief that sharks are bloodthirsty beasts targeting swimmers. In a study published recently, marine biologists argue that at least some shark bites on humans should not be viewed as an attack, but rather a form of self-defense.
Hailing from France, these scientists led the research published in Frontiers in Conservation Science [1]. After examining data on shark attacks worldwide, they concluded that around 5% of shark-on-human bites occur due to self-defense, contrary to the assumption that sharks are fancy snack-seekers.
Eric Clua, a shark specialist at PSL University and the study's lead researcher, was inspired to investigate this topic due to his observations during field studies in French Polynesia. He often came across fishermen who indiscriminately killed sharks trapped in fish pens, leading the unfortunate sharks to bite the fishermen. Additionally, he encountered stories of shark bites on underwater spearfishers, where the sharks appeared to defend their prey instead of hunting the humans [2].
Examining data from French Polynesia, the research team found that 5% of bites were likely motivated by self-defense based on incidents with documented motivation. Between 2009 and 2023, 74 shark bites were reported in the region. Interestingly, this trend wasn't limited to French Polynesia. The researchers examined the Global Shark Attack Files, a compilation of nearly 7,000 shark bites since 1863, and found that, once again, around 5% of bites-322 bites in total-appeared to be in self-defense [3].
Certain criteria determine whether a bite is classified as self-defense, including bites being quick, superficial, and non-lethal, or aggressive human actions causing an immediate reaction from the shark. In some cases, a defensive shark bite might even be more violent than the human action that preceded it, a sign of the shark's desperation [3].
Clua emphasized, "Our study demonstrates that sharks have as much right as any creature, human or animal, to defend themselves when their lives are on the line. It also suggests that approaching a shark in distress might not be wise, as it may perceive this action adversely and react aggressively."
By identifying the various reasons behind shark bites, the team hopes to reduce their occurrence. They recommend avoiding interactions with sharks, even in seemingly harmless situations. People swimming in places where sharks live should always be in groups of at least two, which can help prevent sustained, predatory attacks. Unlike land predators, staying still doesn't deter a predatory shark, so defensive measures should be taken if a worst-case scenario occurs [3].
Clua also pointed out that sharks are generally afraid of humans, making shark attacks exceedingly rare, especially fatal ones. For instance, there were only 88 shark bites worldwide in 2024 and seven related deaths. This is in stark contrast to animals like hippos or those carrying diseases such as malaria that pose a more significant threat to humans annually [4].
Clua concludes, "Our research aims to encourage journalists to examine the conditions in which attacks occur from a more informed perspective, focusing more on human behavior and less on blaming the animals. We plan to continue studying different types of shark bites, such as those caused by exploration or curiosity."
[1] Enrichment Data: The study was published in Frontiers in Conservation Science in 2024 and examined a total of 322 shark bite events attributed to self-defense out of 6,944 bite cases documented from 1863 to 2024 in the Global Shark Attack File (GSAF).
[2] Enrichment Data: Shark bites in areas where sharks are disturbed, such as fish pens or by underwater spearfishers, often occur due to self-defense.
[3] Enrichment Data: In self-defense bites, the shark reacts aggressively to actions perceived as threats, resulting in quick, superficial, non-lethal bites.
[4] Enrichment Data: Sharks are usually fearful of humans, making attacks rare, and even less frequently are they fatal compared to other animal-human interactions. Hippos, for instance, are responsible for the deaths of at least 500 people annually, while diseases spread by certain animals, such as malaria, significantly outnumber shark attack fatalities.
- In the realm of technology, the rise of gizmodo and science-driven innovations may revolutionize the future of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and sports, including sports-betting.
- As the research unfolds, tech companies could delve into creating fitness bands that monitor heart rates, track workouts, and even predict self-defense scenarios for underwater sports enthusiasts, alerting them to potentially dangerous situations with sharks.
- By understanding the patterns of self-defense bites, marine biologists may partner with tech firms to develop AI systems that can analyze events leading up to a shark attack and mitigate potential risks for swimmers and underwater explorers.
- In addition to promoting responsible human behavior near shark habitats, the study could inspire the creation of futuristic tech solutions (such as repellent devices or sensors) that would help both swimmers and sharks coexist peacefully, thereby paving the way for a more harmonious relationship between man and nature in the years to come.
