Ark Animals: Shark Attack Tips & Hints with Diana L Guerrero

Progressive & Thought Provoking Discussions about Wild & Domestic Animal Behavior, Animal Careers, Animal Training, & More!

Shark Attacks: Animal Expert Comments

Animal attacks occur daily but it is the unusual ones that capture the interest of the public. Here animal expert Diana L. Guerrero comments on animal attacks of all types. The 2007 shark attack on the diver in New South Wales was unusual in that the shark had the entire head and shoulders of the man in it's mouth. White pointer is another name for the great white shark. Read more about this species of shark here.

Twenty Tips to Avoid Shark Attacks

Shark Attacks seem to be occurring with more and more regularity. The white pointer shark attack in New South Wales has created interest in just what triggers shark attacks on humans. Shark attacks are common in Australian waters--averaging about 15 incidents a year with at least one fatality. Below are some tips and hints on how to avoid shark attacks. There are also links to some of the recent coverage about shark attack incidents.

Avoid river mouths after heavy rains since freshwater fish and other animals get swept out to sea and provide food for sharks.
Stay away from fishing boats or fishermen since fish remains and blood can draw sharks.
If menstruating or bleeding stay out of the water. Sharks detect even small amounts of blood from over a mile away and trace it back to its source.
If you cut or injure yourself do not stay in the water with blood around you.
Avoid swimming with large groups of fish, seals, or sea lions as they are normal shark prey.
Use caution when diving or surfing in marine mammal inhabitated areas since wetsuited humans may be mistaken for normal shark prey.
Stay away from large groups of dolphins and seabirds who are feeding. Dolphins can be prey for large sharks and don't indicate that sharks are absent..
Stay away if there are dead animals in the water.
Avoid dump sites or sewage areas since fish that feed there attract sharks.
Avoid activity in the water at dawn, dusk, and night, when some shark species move close to shore feed.
Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, channels, and steep drop-offs--areas where sharks frequent.
Avoid wearing high-contrast clothing such as orange and yellow (thought to be risky colors) or shiny jewelry (reflect like fish scales).
Refrain from excessive splashing.
Dive, swim, or surf with a partner not alone.
Leave quickly and smoothly if a shark is sighted.
Do not provoke, harass, or entice any shark.
If marine life behaves erratically or disappears leave the water there may be a shark nearby.
If you feel something brush up against you, get out of the water--many shark-bite victims do not know they have been bit.
Swim, surf, or dive with other people since sharks seem to attack individuals.
Divers should remain still if they encounter a shark and, position themselves so the shark does not have multiple angles of approach. Release any fish and leave the area.