With their pointy teeth, scary fins and ability to move really fast, it’s pretty understandable that sharks are so widely feared. But shark attacks are actually really rare. Every year, more people are killed by falling coconuts than sharks. (Maybe we should all be a bit more afraid of coconuts?)
Nevertheless, if you’re fascinated by sharks and shark attacks, a site called Shark Attack Statistics Interactive is here to satisfy that craving. SASI has scoured data and news articles between 2000 and the present day to give you all the deets on shark attacks around the world.
For example, the site says that there have been 500 shark attacks on humans in the last 22 years and that they’ve had a 25 percent fatality rate. The most dangerous species is – obvs – the great white shark, and the areas with the most attacks are the southern and eastern coasts of the USA.
The site also has a map showing you all the shark attacks around the world since 2000, as well as infographics explaining what you should do in case of an attack. In short: don’t play dead; do make eye contact, fight back and try and protect your neck and head.
And it doesn’t stop there. SASI also tells you what time of day you’re most likely to get bitten (mornings), what day of the week (Saturdays) and what month of the year (July). It’s even got first-hand accounts of what a shark attack feels like.
Have a play around with Shark Attack Statistics Interactive for yourself here… and cue the music from Jaws.
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