White sharks are apex predators that primarily feed on seals, sea lions, fish, and other marine mammals. They have evolved certain sensory adaptations, such as their keen sense of smell and electroreception, which allow them to detect potential prey in their environment.
When sharks encounter humans in their territory, it's often because they mistake them for something else. For instance, they may confuse a surfer's paddling surfboard with a seal or other food source. In some cases, sharks may also exhibit curiosity and investigate novel objects, including humans, out of curiosity rather than aggression.
White shark attacks on humans are relatively rare, and fatal encounters are even less frequent. Most attacks result in non-fatal injuries, such as lacerations and bruises. However, due to their powerful jaws and size, white shark attacks can be severe and life-threatening.
To reduce the risk of shark encounters, it's important to follow safety recommendations when swimming in areas known to have white shark populations. These recommendations include avoiding areas where seals or sea lions are present, swimming in groups, and avoiding dawn and dusk, when sharks are most active.