The exaggerated fame of violent predators that we have attributed to sharks immediately makes us think that they are all dangerous and that they eat people. However, the diversity of species and marine habitats in which they live have allowed them to evolve towards eating habits in which fish, molluscs, crustaceans and some marine mammals constitute their main diet.
The many studies that have been carried out in different countries with the aim of better understanding the relationship between sharks and people have concluded that sharks are not dangerous to them, sinceare not part of your diet The probability of dying from a shark attack anywhere in the world is very low: just 1 in 3.7 million.
If you want to discover more details and find out if sharks eat people, in this complete article on our site you will find all the information you need to get rid of doubts.
The Sharks are dangerous?
Currently, there are around 350 different species of sharks distributed throughout the oceans, each one of them with eating habits and attack techniques adapted to the prey and habitat in which they live. who live. For this reason, considering that all sharks are dangerous would be a big mistake, since the conditions that must exist for a shark to attack dangerously are very varied and will depend, above all, on whether the animal feels threatened or in search of other prey if their usual ones are scarce.
Thus, we must consider that the danger of sharks is only due to their natural behavior of predation, characterized by rapid attack and effective towards the smaller marine animals that make up their diets. Just as lions hunt fiercely in the savannahs, sharks do so on the seabed, but for this reason they should not be considered dangerous, since they are performing one of their vital functions: feeding.
Do you want to meet other dangerous animals? Don't miss our article on the most dangerous animals in the world.
Why do sharks attack humans?
When a population of sharks has its habitat in an area where it coincides with numerous people, the probability of attacks occurring increases, provided that other conditions such as the following are met:
- Deficit of usual prey of sharks, such as seals and other marine mammals, molluscs or reptiles such as sea turtles.
- Alterations in the habitat and in environmental conditions that force sharks to approach areas where there are usually people, like the shores of tourist beaches.
- Confusion of people with possible prey. A common example is surfers, which sharks tend to perceive as sea turtles, thus being attacked.
Shark attacks in Spain
Although the vast majority of attacks on people caused by sharks occur off the coasts of the United States, Australia and South Africa, attacks have also occurred in some parts of Spain. Many? The answer is really reassuring: there have only been three attacks on the Spanish coast since 1847. These attacks caused injuries and amputations in two of the cases and death and the disappearance in the third.
This low number of attacks highlights the low probability of a shark attacking a person on the beaches of Spain. Therefore, although it is more common to see sharks in the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the work of lifeguards and environmental organizations that fight for the protection of these marine animals allows bathers to be alerted in time, thus avoiding potential attacks.
What to do if you are attacked by a shark
Although throughout the article we have been verifying that the probability of a shark attacking people without apparent cause is low, it is useful to be prepared and know some tips in case the chance ever occurs. Take note:
- Try to stay calm and show the shark that you are neither a threat nor a prey to him. For this it is useful that you do not make sudden movements that make him nervous and that you try to appear larger so that he does not consider you an easy prey.
- In case a shark is already lurking around you and trying to attack you, you should Always stay in front of it to avoid it catch you off guard. Also, it is good to take shelter on a rock, reef or any other type of surface to avoid being in view of the animal from different angles.
- If, despite trying to go unnoticed, the shark initiates the attack, keep in mind that the technique of playing dead with sharks does not work. On the contrary, you must defend yourself and show strength To do this, hit the shark if necessary, focusing on the most sensitive areas of its body, such as the eyes or gills.
- If swim back to shore would be a viable option, you should do it without jerking your arms or legs. Ask for medical help when you reach the shore.
