Why Do Sharks Attack Humans?
Sharks & Kiteboarding: What You Need to Know
Sharks are fascinating creatures, but attacks on humans are extremely rare. According to NOAA, sharks do not normally hunt humans. Most incidents are cases of mistaken identity a shark may bite out of curiosity. Researchers note that very rarely sharks may develop a food association from human remains, but these are highly localized. Bull sharks, which can enter lakes, rivers, and estuaries, rarely interact with humans in a way that leads to attacks.
For kiteboarders, the risk is extremely low. You spend most of your time on the surface and moving quickly, which makes interactions with sharks unlikely. By following simple precautions — avoiding murky water, not wearing shiny jewelry, and staying aware — you can enjoy kiteboarding safely.
Sharks are fascinating creatures, but attacks on humans are extremely rare. According to NOAA, sharks do not normally hunt humans. Most incidents are cases of mistaken identity a shark may bite out of curiosity. Researchers note that very rarely sharks may develop a food association from human remains, but these are highly localized. Bull sharks, which can enter lakes, rivers, and estuaries, rarely interact with humans in a way that leads to attacks.
For kiteboarders, the risk is extremely low. You spend most of your time on the surface and moving quickly, which makes interactions with sharks unlikely. By following simple precautions — avoiding murky water, not wearing shiny jewelry, and staying aware — you can enjoy kiteboarding safely.
How Sharks Attack People
According to Murray Suid and George Burgess, there are four basic types of shark attacks on humans. Provoked attacks occur when people touch or disturb sharks. Unprovoked attacks include hit-and-run, sneak, and bump-and-bite types.
Ways of Preventing Shark Attacks
- Stay in groups and do not wander away from companions.
- Avoid water during early morning and late afternoon.
- Never enter the water if bleeding.
- Don't wear shiny jewelry in the water.
- Stay away from fishermen and their catches.
- Avoid brightly colored clothing in murky waters.
- Refrain from excessive splashing.
- Avoid sandbars, steep drop-offs, and estuary inlets.
Sharks Are NOT Monsters
In maximum respect of human lives lost from shark attacks, we should consider the phenomenon objectively. Shark attacks are sporadic; most attacks consist of a single bite. Deaths occur due to blood loss, shock, or delayed help.
Sharks are potentially dangerous like all great predators but should be approached with caution and respect. Their bad reputation comes from media campaigns and neglect of current global situations like overfishing, finning, and bycatch.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Stefano Bellomo
Sharks are potentially dangerous like all great predators but should be approached with caution and respect. Their bad reputation comes from media campaigns and neglect of current global situations like overfishing, finning, and bycatch.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Stefano Bellomo