subject: Understanding The Patterns Of Shark Attacks [print this page] Understanding The Patterns Of Shark Attacks
The world experiences around 70-100 shark attacks every year, causing at least 5-15 deaths. "At least," because not all shark attacks are reported. In most third world countries, the attacks remain undisclosed to avoid publicity that will have a huge effect on tourism. During the older times, shark attacks resulting to death had a higher number. But because of the various medical advances that facilitate emergency treatments, fatal shark attacks have been reduced. While the number of deaths was reduced shark attacks increased. Not all attacks were successful and not all attacks caused death but the figure continues to go up every year. This is due to the increasing number of beach resorts, swimmers and bathers, and extreme water sports.
Contrary to what many people believe in, most shark attacks happen near the shore. Sometimes, even inside sandbars. Sharks feed on these areas and get trapped when low tide comes. Areas that have steep drop-offs are also more likely to be conquered by sharks because of the natural food items found in these areas.
There are two major patterns of shark attacks. The most common of which is called as the "hit and run" attack. In this type of attack, the shark targets surfers and swimmers in the surf zone. In many cases, the victim hardly sees his attacker but the shark will stay close to the victim until he finally inflicts a bite or slashes a wound. Experts say that this type of attack may be due to mistaken identity which occurs in waters with poor visibility. Sharks need to move as fast as he could in order to capture its typical food targets. But because of the poor visibility, they could misinterpret humans for their normal prey. Experts also relate this to social behaviors like those that we see in land animals. Humans who become target for the "hit and run" attack are more likely to get lacerations. The attack is seldom fatal.
"Bump and bite" is less common than "hit and run." However, it is more likely to cause injuries and deaths. The attack is more likely to happen in deep waters attacking divers or swimmers. Before the actual attack, the beast circles and bumps the victim. Victims oftentimes get severe injuries from the "bump and bite" attack. In most cases, it results to death.
Shark attacks may cause human casualties but the witnessing the actual attack can be a one-of-a-kind experience. Beachtown, the newest gaming application on Facebook, gives players the chance to relive and remake a virtual Beachtown. The game is fun and very interactive! It gives tough sports lovers the chance to bring their shark adventures with them even when they're not by the beach.
