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Sharks

Interactive Shark Attack Map, Statistics and Survival Guides

Attacks Last 47yrs
Common Attack Time 47yrs
Shark Species Attacking Most 47yrs
How was the attack initiated 47yrs
Fatality After Attack 47yrs
Latest reported
shark attacks
  • All
  • Fatal
  • Non-Fatal
  • Provoked
  • Unprovoked

Methodology: Using our article resources, we labeled attacks as “provoked” or “unprovoked” by the journalists’ standards. If the attack was unreported as “provoked” or “unprovoked”, we used our best judgement to determine what the attack should be categorized as. “Provoked” attacks by our standards are used if the person was trying to harm or antagonize the shark. This includes specific and intentional interactions with the shark. Unprovoked includes water sport activities like surfing and boogie boarding, where there was no intentional action towards the shark

  • All
  • Fatal
  • Non-Fatal
  • Provoked
  • Unprovoked

Species

  • All
  • Tiger Shark
  • Bull Shark
  • Great White
  • Lemon Shark

Regions

  • All
  • Australia
  • United States
  • Indonesia
  • Africa

Why do sharks
attack humans?

There is zero proof that sharks hunt people and we know that humans are not part of sharks’ natural diets. Typically, when a shark attacks a human, the shark is either confused or curious.

Contrast the gentle nibbles and slow approach of the curious or confused shark with the hunting shark. A shark that is hunting approaches at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, attacks from below and knocks the hunted animal into the air.

On average, there are 100 unprovoked shark attacks reported worldwide in an average year.
Interactive shark attack statistics
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SPECIES
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Region
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Statistics

  • In the last 50 years, more shark attacks occurred on Saturdays than on other days of the week.
  • Tiger Sharks, Great White Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks and Sand Sharks attacked most frequently of the known attacks in the last 50 years.
  • In the last 50 years, morning is the time of day when most attacks occurred.
  • 99% of all shark attacks were unprovoked in the last 50 years.
  • In the last 50 years, more shark attacks happened in July than in any other month.
  • The USA, Australia, and Africa had the most shark attacks in the last 50 years.
  • Fatality rates are higher for shark attack victims in Africa and France over the last 50 years.
  • Each year, worldwide, there are approximately 10 deaths attributed to shark attacks (in comparison to 150 deaths worldwide caused by falling coconuts). Source
  • According to National Geographic, you have a one in 218 chance of dying from a fall but a one in 3.7 million chance of being killed by a shark.
  • The most common place to be attacked by a shark in the US is Florida. (Hawaii, California and South Carolina are in the top 4)
  • 15% of 1000 Survey respondents said they would agree to be attacked by a shark for the cool story. *If they knew they would survive without long-term damage or ill effects.
  • You have an 89.4% chance of surviving a shark attack.
  • Out of 1000 Survey respondents, If they had to choose one tragedy, 10% would choose to be attacked by a shark, 14% would choose to be attacked by a bear, 34% would choose to fall out of a third-story window and 42% would choose an auto accident on the interstate at 70 MPH.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a shark attack feel like?
While each survivor describes the experience differently, a common description from shark attack survivors is the attack feels similar to being punched or bumped. Some survivors have even recounted no pain at all! While the idea of a shark attack not hurting sounds inexplicable, shock and/or fight or flight with a huge adrenaline rush is a logical explanation. One thing is for certain, the survivors definitely all describe it as an harrowing experience once they are out of the water and the shock and adrenaline have worn off!
Why are some areas including the eastern US, southern Australia, and Hawaii experiencing sharp increases in the annual number of shark attacks?
As you might expect, the annualized shark attack numbers correlate strongly to localized shark populations and the number of people frequenting the oceanic waters. The population of swimmers has increased and, as you would expect, so have the number of attacks. In addition, some of these areas have seen increases in shark population due to environmental factors.
Sharks scare me! If I swim at the beach, what are the chances of being attacked?
First, it is important to note that you should always obey the written or verbal guidance from local officials, lifeguards, and experts. Heeding these warnings can help keep you safe and lower the shark attack numbers. There is a one in 3,748,067 chance you could be attacked and killed by a shark. 1
How likely is death by shark attack?
Simply put, the risk is almost non-existent. Although humans kill approximately 100 million sharks annually, sharks kill as few as five humans each year. Humans have a higher chance of being killed by a flying champagne cork, accidental poisoning, or lightning. In addition, the chances of being injured by a shark while swimming in the ocean is far smaller than being injured by a power tool. 2
What should I do if attacked by a shark?
You will want to maintain eye contact with the shark and use a hard object (or your hands) to jab the nose, gills, and eyes. Remember, to position yourself in a manner to minimize a bite to the neck or face. Get out of the water at your first opportunity, but don’t turn your back on the shark! Sharks can swim at over 30mph (compared to Michael Phelps 4.7mph) and you won’t outswim them. Once out of the water, apply pressure to the wounds and get immediate medical attention.
Do sharks actively hunt humans?
There is no evidence that sharks actively hunt humans. In fact, humans are oftentimes in the vicinity of sharks and an attack does not occur. Relative to the worldwide beach and oceanic water statistics, the number of shark attacks is incredibly small. At the global level, there are typically less than 100 attacks annually.
  • [1] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/sharks-attack-fear-science-psychology-spd#:~:text=If%20I%20tell%20you%20there's,process%20that%2C%20as%20well
  • [2] https://www.peta.org/features/shark-attack-vs-other-causes-of-death/

    • Informative and educational
    shark videos

    LEARN FROM SHARK EXPERTS & ATTACK SURVIVORS

    Your guide to

    How to survive a shark attack

    Want to be prepared? Review the following six steps, which may help you maximize your chances of survival following a shark attack.

    Don't play dead!
    This works for bears, but not sharks.
    Maintain Eye Contact
    If shark circles or bumps you, it will attack.
    Fight
    Use hard objects (or your hands) and jab nose, gills, and eyes.
    All bites are not equal
    Try to make sure the shark is not able to bite your neck or face.
    Get out of water
    The shark may keep attacking you until you are out of water
    Get help, apply pressure & stay warm
    Call an ambulance, stop the bleeding, and try to prevent shock.
    Sharks are a vital part of the oceanic ecosystem and should not be feared. As the statistics clearly communicate above, the odds of being attacked by a shark are extremely small. Don’t fear the sharks, but do respect them and heed local warnings.