- Mistaken identity: Sharks may mistake humans for their natural prey, such as seals or sea lions. This is especially true in murky water, where visibility is limited.
- Provocation: Sharks may feel threatened if they are startled or provoked. This can happen if humans swim too close to sharks, or if they make sudden movements.
- Curiosity: Sharks may also be curious about humans, and may approach them to get a closer look. This can sometimes lead to an attack if the shark feels threatened.
It's important to note that shark attacks are relatively rare. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were only 61 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2021. This number is very small compared to the millions of people who swim in the ocean each year.
Here are some tips to help you avoid shark attacks:
- Swim in areas where sharks are not known to be present.
- Avoid swimming in murky water.
- Don't swim alone.
- Don't make sudden movements.
- Don't wear shiny jewelry or clothing that might attract sharks.
- Don't feed sharks.
- If you see a shark, stay calm and slowly swim away.