Avoiding Shark Attacks!

What's in A Name?

The word shark in any language brings about thoughts of "Jaws" and the rise of primordial fear so deeply embedded in our DNA that one can't help but get nervous if in the water and someone mentions, or yells "shark"!

Sharks are a carnivorous ocean going or brackish water fish with almost 400 different sub-species grouped in over 30 families. Some sharks, like the great white shark, are notorious among the shark population because they have attacked people repeatedly, causing severe injuries and death. In general, sharks are much like lions and other large carnivores who will not attack prey species unless they're hungry and looking toward feeding or sometimes if they're provoked.

Sharks have been in the sea since prehistoric times. Their fossils indicate that sharks have still maintained their basic shape (or profile) for millions of years. Sharks are efficient in maintaining the balance of prey species and keeping the oceans clean (in the role of janitor). And, although some say they are intelligent and even compare their capability to learn is on par with land animals, that seems highly unlikely. I believe that they are as intelligent as their hardwired brains allow them to be - less than a honey bee or a fire ant. Sharks are garbage disposal units and only attack and eat the dead, sick and young in most cases if possible. I believe it's hogwash to compare the intelligence of any fish - yes even those pesky sharks - to that of a cat, dog or horse. Sharks don't make very good pets, and they'd gladly bite off the hand that feeds them.

Sharks are found worldwide where they live in cold and cooler water, as well as warm tropical seas. Some sharks are more likely to be found in deeper water and others favor shallow water (there's a big overlap so it's really a mixed bag at any depth). Sharks that are known for hanging around in shallow water may attack if they mistake the human swimmers and divers for prey species or injured fish. Swimmers would be well advised to avoid areas known to hold sharks and to be aware and cautious in their aquatic surroundings. If a person is attacked by a shark while swimming, diving, surfing or other waterports, experts advise victims to fight back in any and every way they can think of.

Many is the life that's been saved by actually shoving fingers in the eyes of sharks. Also, some sharp prodding in the snout area with a spear gun or any hard object such as a camera housing, knife or bang stick will also help chances for survival. The gills slits are another sensitive area to attack, with hands or other hard objects - as mentioned above. Their instincts don't prepare them for fighting with their supper so don't hesitate and let it all hang out if you're attacked!