The risk of a shark attack, often dramatized in popular culture, is statistically remote for the average person entering the ocean. Researchers typically define an “unprovoked” incident as a bite on a live human in the shark’s natural habitat without any human initiation. Understanding the true frequency of these incidents, versus the sensationalized perception, is the primary step in accurately assessing the risk of water activities. Examining global data helps put the actual danger into perspective, recognizing that these interactions are unusual exceptions, not the rule of marine life.
The Global Data on Shark Encounters
Analysis of global shark encounters consistently shows that unprovoked incidents remain extremely rare. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) confirmed 69 unprovoked bites worldwide in 2023, slightly above the recent five-year average of 63 incidents annually. Unprovoked attacks are those where the human victim does not initiate physical contact, such as by harassing or attempting to feed the animal. This contrasts with “provoked” bites, which accounted for an additional 22 incidents in 2023, often involving activities like spearfishing or handling a shark.
The likelihood of a fatal shark encounter is exceptionally low compared to many other common risks. A person is significantly more likely to be killed by a lightning strike or a bee sting than by a shark. The odds of being killed by a shark are estimated to be around 1 in 264 million. People are even more likely to die from common activities like driving a car.
Understanding Why Interactions Occur
Most shark-human interactions that result in a bite are not predatory but often stem from investigative or exploratory behavior. The long-standing “mistaken identity” hypothesis suggests that a shark may confuse a human with its natural prey, such as a seal or sea lion, especially when viewed from below. This is particularly relevant for surfers and paddleboarders, whose silhouette can resemble that of a pinniped resting at the surface.
The “exploratory behavior” theory suggests that sharks use their mouths to gather sensory information about unfamiliar objects. A shark may take a single, non-committal bite to explore what a human is, quickly abandoning the person upon realizing they are not typical prey. The low rate of consumption and prevalence of non-fatal injuries support the idea that these are often investigative, not predatory, strikes.
Environmental conditions also play a substantial role in rare interactions. Murky or turbid water, often found near river mouths or after heavy rainfall, can compromise a shark’s ability to identify objects visually. Activity near areas where sharks feed, such as close to large schools of baitfish or where fishing is taking place, can also increase the chances of an encounter. The species most often implicated in serious bites—Great White, Bull, and Tiger sharks—tend to frequent these coastal environments.
Practical Steps to Minimize Risk
Ocean users can significantly reduce the already small risk of an encounter by being aware of certain times and conditions that may increase shark activity. Avoid entering the water during twilight hours (dawn and dusk), as many shark species are more actively feeding during these low-light periods. It is also advisable to always swim, surf, or snorkel with a companion, as solitary individuals appear to be at a slightly higher risk.
Avoiding water with poor visibility is important, including areas near river mouths or after heavy rain. Refraining from wearing shiny jewelry is also recommended, as the glinting metal can resemble fish scales and attract a shark’s curiosity. Swimmers should also avoid excessive splashing or erratic movements, which can mimic the distress signals of an injured animal.
Stay away from areas where people are fishing, which can introduce bait and attract sharks to the immediate vicinity. The presence of diving seabirds or large schools of fish indicates a potential feeding ground, and the water should be exited calmly if these signs are observed nearby.