Although sharks rarely cause death in humans, this marine animal attack can still be deadly. There are about 500 species of shark but only a small number are very aggressive. It is this aggressive shark species that records the most attacks on humans.
The most dangerous shark
Here are the 5 most dangerous sharks in the world:
1. Sand shark
The sand shark, also known as the gray nurse shark and rough-tooth shark, is often seen near the ocean floor. The name of this species is taken from the fact that they migrate towards the shoreline and are often seen by surfers. They live in warm waters around the world. In total, there are three species of sand sharks which also include the small-toothed sand tiger and the large-eyed sand tiger. Similar to other shark species, the sand shark can detect electric currents generated by prey with electroreceptors in its snout. Sand tiger sharks are also nocturnal hunters and during the day they are essentially inactive. Their diet consists mostly of small fish but they also eat crustaceans and squid. Although humans are not their prey, sand sharks have been recorded to have attacked 36 humans without fatality.
2. Blackfin shark
Blackfin sharks can be found year-round in the Gulf of Mexico and also in waters from Virginia through Florida. The main prey of these sharks are squid, stingrays, shrimp and crabs. Although blackfin sharks do not pose a significant threat to humans, they have recorded 41 attacks on humans and no fatalities.
3. Bull shark
In the United States, the bull shark is found off the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. They are very aggressive and are sometimes found in fresh water which gives them more access to humans. Adult bull sharks have no natural predators. Most of their diet is fish, other shark species, sea turtles, seabirds, rays and dolphins. Bull sharks do not prey on humans. If they attack, these sharks usually disengage after realizing that it is not their real prey. Thus, the bull shark's aggression has resulted in 117 humans being attacked with 25 of them fatal.
4. Tiger Shark
True to its name, the tiger shark has dark stripes on its body that fade with age. The tiger shark is second, behind the great white, as the most dangerous shark. Tiger sharks have been recorded to have attacked 131 humans, including 34 deaths. Tiger sharks eat mostly at night and look for a wide variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, sea snakes, crustaceans, and squid.
5. Great white shark
The great white shark is the most dangerous and most aggressive shark in the world, recording 333 attacks on humans with 52 of them fatal. Worldwide, the great white shark is responsible for up to over 100 shark attacks per year. When great white sharks spot swimmers or surfers from below, they may not be able to tell the difference from their favorite food, seals. Humans are not prey that great white sharks usually stalk. They are carnivores and most often prey on sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins, and seals.
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