The vast, cold expanses of Alaskan waters conjure images of salmon, whales, and sea lions, not the predatory sharks typically associated with warmer, tropical oceans. Globally, interactions between sharks and humans are exceedingly rare, and this scarcity is magnified significantly in the North Pacific’s subarctic environment. The statistical reality reinforces that Alaska is one of the safest coastal regions in the world regarding shark activity.
The Confirmed Attack Record
The statistical record for confirmed, unprovoked shark attacks in Alaska is virtually nonexistent compared to lower-latitude coastal states. According to data compiled by authoritative sources like the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the number of such incidents recorded over the last century is fewer than five, often rounding down to zero or one confirmed unprovoked attack historically.
The most notable documented incident is a provoked bite that occurred in Prince William Sound on August 27, 2000. A biologist was bitten on the leg by a Salmon Shark after the animal had been netted and was being handled during a research operation. Because the shark was intentionally engaged and restrained, this event is classified as provoked and does not represent an unprovoked attack.
Primary Shark Species in Alaskan Waters
Several large shark species inhabit the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. The Salmon Shark (Lamna ditropis) is perhaps the most well-known, often mistaken for a smaller version of the Great White Shark. These predators are endothermic, meaning they can maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the cold North Pacific and hunt fast-swimming prey like salmon.
Another prominent resident is the Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus), which can reach lengths of up to 14 feet. Sleeper sharks are generally slow-moving, deep-water scavengers that primarily feed on bottom fish, squid, and carrion. Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are extremely rare visitors, though their presence may be increasing with warming water temperatures. The most common shark in the region is the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi), a much smaller species that poses no threat to humans.
Environmental Factors Influencing Incidents
The near-zero attack rate in Alaska is due to a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. The marine environment is characterized by extremely cold water temperatures, which significantly reduce the amount of time people spend submerged compared to warmer regions. Cold water also lowers the metabolism of most shark species, decreasing their need to feed constantly.
Ecologically, the waters are rich with the sharks’ natural prey, such as salmon, pollock, and marine mammals. This abundance means sharks have little incentive to investigate unfamiliar targets, which humans represent.
Alaska’s coastline has a very low human population density, resulting in fewer opportunities for human-shark interaction. However, scientists note that warming ocean temperatures and reduced sea ice are potentially leading to increased reports of large shark activity, including Great Whites. This trend may bring them further north and closer to human activity.
Water Safety for Alaskan Recreation
People engaging in activities like diving, fishing, or kayaking in Alaskan waters should adopt specific precautions to minimize risk.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid entering the water during low-light hours, such as dawn and dusk, as these are peak feeding times for many marine predators.
- Refrain from water activities near areas where seals or sea lions are actively congregating or feeding, as this is a known prey zone that can attract larger sharks.
- Never enter the water with an open wound, as the blood scent can attract sharks, which possess an acute sense of smell.
- When fishing, promptly clean any catches away from areas where people are swimming or diving, as the presence of fish scraps and entrails can draw sharks closer to the surface.
- In the event of a sighting, maintain calm, deliberate movements and avoid excessive splashing, which can be misinterpreted as distress by a curious shark.