While some divers avoid sharks like the plague, some of us seek them out, enjoying even momentary encounters and counting down the days or hours that must pass until our next opportunity to swim with these magnificent ocean predators. Most of us have seen footage of shark attacks or heard stories relayed by attack survivors, and when we think that we, ourselves, are not likely to become the next shark attack victim, we are probably right. Still, attacks can and do happen, and some species are much more aggressive than others. Use this short guide to increase your understanding as well as your underwater safety margin.
White Sharks
Massive predators, with gaping jaws and the ability to smell even a tiny particle of blood or other bodily fluid in the water from miles away, White Sharks are legendary for their power as well as for their propensity to attack humans. Scientists believe that the reason for these attacks is not because of inherent viciousness; instead, they believe that certain profiles look just like that of the shark’s chosen prey from below. Since these sharks normally launch an attack by positioning themselves directly below their targets, then skyrocketing upward with jaws wide open to make a clean catch, they are often blamed for biting surfers. They are well known for tasting things to see whether they are edible, which means that the best way to dive with these beauties is from the safety of a shark cage. Visit South Africa or the Farrallon Islands, just off the coast of San Francisco, to enjoy a Great White encounter of your own.
Tiger Sharks
Second in line for their propensity to attack humans, Tiger Sharks are known to eat nearly anything that floats, and they tend to hunt close to shore. Often attacking with no provocation whatsoever, these beauties are found in tropical and temperate climates worldwide. Seen in Hawaii at depths as shallow as about ten to forty feet, they have also been recorded at depths of almost 900 meters. Capable of reaching a maximum length of about twenty feet long, these enormous sharks sometimes hunt in packs, and have been observed attacking and killing an ailing humpback whale. Use extreme caution when diving around Tiger Sharks; never stray from safe shark diving procedures and you will run a much lower chance of being attacked. Tiger sharks are abundant in Hawaii, and while a few attacks, mostly on surfers and swimmers, do take place almost every year, these attacks are rare considering how many people are in the state’s waters each and every day. You can take a cage dive for a close up encounter in the Bahamas, and in a few other places as well.
Bull Sharks
Fierce predators that are probably responsible for more attacks than they have been given credit for, Bull Sharks are known to swim far upriver in places like Australia, and they often attack without any seeming provocation. Even the smallest pups are quite ferocious. A requiem shark that looks quite similar to its relatives, it has a tendency to lower its pectoral fins slightly and make a flexing motion just prior to attacking with a bump and bite technique. Cage dives are available in places like South Africa and Mozambique, where the Bull Shark is referred to as a Zambezi Shark.
All sharks, even the smallest, will bite if provoked. By respecting their space and by following safe procedures, you can reduce your risk of being bitten. Before you dive in shark territory, learn about the species that inhabit the area. Not only will you enjoy safer diving, you’ll gain greater understanding of these top predators.