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The White Shark


The Truth about Attacks:

Shark attacks are rare, and only some 30% of the people bitten die. Death is mostly due to loss of blood and shock, which can result in the victims drowning before rescue. Instances of a shark eating any substantial portion of a human prey are very few. It seems that sharks actually do not like human flesh. Most bites, as might be expected, are on the lower part of the legs, from the knee downwards, thighs are the next most vulnerable part of the body, followed by the arms, middle of the trunk, chest, back, shoulders. Least attacked of all is the head. In other words, most attacks are directed to the rear part of the swimmer. The hands and arms seem mostly to be bitten when the victim tries to fend off the shark. The most frequent wounds are deep lacerations, as if the taste of the preliminary bite is enough to tell the shark it has chosen the wrong sort of food. It is rare for much human flesh or appendages to be swallowed, and even rarer for a large part, or the whole, of a corpse to be ingested.
Most cases of shark attack are a result of mistaken identity. Attacks are increasingly being targeted on surfers, whose silhouettes resemble those of the pinnipeds (seals, sea lion etc.) on which the Great White feeds. A shark is also attracted to the splashing in the water we all make whilst swimming.

How to avoid the small chance of being attacked

If a person is determined to swim in tropical waters, what can be done to minimise the risk of shark attack? In general, the best 'protection' for a swimmer is to find out where the sharks are densest and avoid that area. For example, sharks often congregate around sewage outfalls or where offal is regularly discharged into the water. Avoid areas where people are fishing - the bait may have already attracted sharks. Swim in groups, the larger the number of people in a group, the less chance of any individual being attacked. Keep clear of areas where the depth changes rapidly - i.e. near a deep channel. Keep an eye open for any signs of unusual behaviour in the fishes of the area. It is advisable not to swim with seals or sea lions. Avoid wearing bright or reflective garments or decorations that could arouse the sharks curiosity. Do not become paranoid about being bitten by a shark: the risk is infinitesimally small.
Remember: Sharks do not really like the taste of human flesh. For the really paranoid the only safe way to avoid becoming a shark's snack is to stay on the beach. There are no recorded attacks on dry land.