Initial Activity: Shark or Dolphin?

Types of Attacks

• Scientists have defined two types of shark attacks, one of which has three subcategories:

• Provoked attack – the human touches the shark, pokes it, teases it, or otherwise aggravates/provokes it in some way

• Unprovoked attack – Hit-and-run attack – Usually non-fatal, the shark bites and then leaves;

most victims do not see the shark.

– Sneak attack – Victim will not usually see the shark, and they may receive repeated deep bites. This is the most fatal kind of shark attack.

– Bump-and-bite attack – The shark bumps before biting and then normally swims away.

• An incident occurred in 2011 when a 3-metre long great white shark jumped onto a 7-person research vessel off Seal Island, South Africa. The crew were undertaking a population study using sardines as bait, and the incident was judged to be an accident.

Who is dangerous?

• Contrary to popular belief, only a few sharks are dangerous to humans.

• Out of more than 360 shark species, only four have been involved in a significant number of fatal unprovoked attacks on humans:

• the Great White, Tiger, Bull and Oceanic White tip

• These sharks, being large, powerful predators, may sometimes attack and kill people; however, they have all been filmed in open water by unprotected divers

Preventing Attacks!• While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of a shark attack when one is in

the water, one may take precautions such as:

• avoiding the water at dawn, dusk, or night, when sharks tend to feed.

• avoiding areas such as murky waters and steep drop-offs

• avoiding swimming alone, always being near a group of people, and if possible, avoiding being at the edge of the group

• refraining from excess splashing or movement

• avoiding shiny jewelry, tan lines and bright clothing, all of which can attract sharks

• avoiding entering water if bleeding from an open wound

• avoiding areas where prey animals of sharks live, for instance seals

• sharks attack at 2-3 feet of water so remember to stay closer than that in shark infested waters.

Natural Prey of Sharks

• Seals (pinnipeds)• Fish/Other Sharks• Crustaceans• Plankton• Marine Mammals• Birds• Sea turtles• And don’t forget…..

Different species of shark have different size and shape of teeth. Each is specialized for different functions!

People Who Eat Peanut Butter Snickers!

Things that Kill More People Than Sharks