Shark Attack

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Jun 15, 2004

Sharks are sleek and long. They have huge jaws, sharp teeth and powerful tails. Though they are beautiful to watch swimming through the water, they are deadly.

There are about 250 different kinds of sharks that live in the world's oceans. Some are only a few inches long. Maybe you even have one in your aquarium. The larger species measure as big as 60 feet from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail.

There are twenty-seven kinds of sharks that attack people. The largest species is the great white shark. It can grow up to 36 feet long. It can swallow a 6 foot shark whole. Other sharks that have been known to attack people are mako, tiger hammerhead and tiger sharks.

Scientist have been tracking sharks for the last few years using satellites. They've studied how sharks hunt, where they live and which species are the most dangerous. They also hope to find out why sharks attack humans.

There are different ways for sharks to attack. Some bump and bite, while others hit and run. The most deadly shark attack is silent. This happens when a shark comes upon prey that is the right size, and it is feeding time. The shark strikes! It is hungry and wants a good meal.

Shark attacks have been reported more often in the last few years. Why? Scientists who have tracked sharks by satellite think that it has something to do with the shark's territory. They also wonder if it is because there are more people taking part in water sports.

All great white sharks that have attacked humans have been between 8 and 12 feet long. That may sound large, but really they are very young and inexperienced hunters. The may be learning new skills, or just beginning to hunt large fish or seals. They see a swimmer or surfer and mistake it for a meal. It seems that adult great whites seldom, if ever, attack humans. This would be because they can tell the difference between humans and sea mammals.

Tiger sharks hunt at night. They begin looking for prey around dusk. These sharks aren't picky about what they eat. They will attack anything that looks good. One way to avoid being attacked by tiger sharks, is to be out of the ocean before dusk falls. Never swim or surf at night.

Bull sharks are very aggressive. They can live in fresh or salt water. They have been spotted in the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. They prowl in water that is very shallow. Bull sharks are very territorial. If they find something or someone invading their territory, or if they feel threatened, they will attack.