Shark attacks are extremely rare The odds of being killed by a shark in Australia are one in 8 million. It's the same likelihood of being killed by a kangaroo – even though kangaroos don't evoke the same fear in us, the danger is there, but it's miniscule.
This report shows that there was a total of 137 shark/human interactions in 2021, with 73 cases unprovoked and 39 provoked. Australia was the second leading country for unprovoked shark attacks with 12 cases, with the United States of America (USA) leading with a total of 47 unprovoked bites.
The chances of being bitten by a shark are very small (1:3.7 million) compared to other animal encounters, natural disasters, and ocean-side dangers. Many more people drown in the ocean every year than are bitten by sharks.
A shark will be on the lookout for food during these times and may attack a human, often mistaking a person for its usual prey. There have been 687 unprovoked shark attacks in Australia since records began in 1700. In February, when the attack on Nellist took place, waters around Sydney are usually teaming with sharks.
How many shark attacks have been reported in Australia in 2023? There have been 5 shark attack bites in Australia in 2023. Zero provoked and 2 fatal.
Australia has the highest number of fatal shark attacks in the world, with Western Australia recently becoming the deadliest place in the world for shark attacks with total and fatal shark bites growing exponentially over the last 40 years.
Shark attack statistics show that there have been more than 488 unprovoked fatal shark attacks in Australia since 1988. While most recorded attacks have occurred in New South Wales, the majority of fatalities transpired in Western Australia.
Australia's oceans are also home to the three most deadly sharks responsible for almost all recorded shark attacks in Australia, namely the Great Whites, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks. That being said, despite the omnipresent fear of shark bite, 97% of all shark species are harmless.
Then head to Australia's westernmost point. Shark Bay — 800 kilometres north of Perth — became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for the natural splendour of its waters, islands and peninsulas, which provide a home to more than 300 species of marine animals, including 29 types of shark.
For those who still fear going in the water, Bangley suggests looking out for the following: Keeping an eye on birds/fish: If you see birds diving or fish jumping, that could be a indicator that a larger predator, perhaps a shark, could be attempting to prey upon a school of fish.
Sharks and dolphins are two of the most formidable creatures in the ocean, but while sharks are often seen as fearsome predators, they are known to be intimidated by dolphins.
WA - 75% are scared of sharks. SA- 74% are scared of sharks. Tas - 74% are scared of sharks. NSW - 66% are scared of sharks.
In Australia, white sharks are responsible for the largest number of bites on humans (361 total) compared to tiger (229 total) and bull sharks (197 total).
On the morning of January 15, 1983, a body of a black man washed ashore. Most of the body had been devoured by sharks. It appeared a shark had bit his foot when he was alive. However, it is unknown if this is what caused his death, as he could have drowned before he was bitten.
Sydney beaches will reopen today after fatal shark attack
Great white sharks have been responsible for all fatal New South Wales shark attacks for the past two years, with the state clocking the highest number of attacks in the nation over this period.
Bondi Beach, Australia
Most of the attacks have taken place off the coast of New South Wales, the state where Bondi Beach is located.
There have been 13 reported shark contact incidents at Bondi Beach since records began, one of which is known to have been a hoax. Of these incidents only two fatalities have occurred, a very low number given the large number of swimmers who regularly use Bondi Beach.
Fighting the Shark
Usually, a hard blow to the shark's gills, eyes or snout (end of its nose) will cause it to retreat. These are really the only vulnerable areas on a shark. If you have a spear gun or pole, use it! A sharp object is a good way to inflict enough pain to scare away the shark.
Fortunately, sharks don't attack humans deliberately, says conservationist Richard Peirce. If you spot one, breaststroke's a better bet than front crawl. “Move as calmly as possible with minimum splashing.” You can't outpace it, so don't attract it. If it does investigate you, forget any nose- punching myths.
The teen, Maggie Drozdowski, shared her story of survival in hopes no one else goes through it. Drozdowski, a trained dancer turned surfer, is in good spirits and walking on crutches Monday after a shark bit her foot so hard she required several stitches.
Most attacks world-wide happen between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm and mostly on weekend during the warmer seasons of the year. This has not so much to do with shark behaviour though but everything with human behaviour since these are the times when most people are spending time in the water.
Beaches are also favoured recreational destinations in Australia and coastal locations are heavily targeted in tourism, attracting nearly 60% of international tourists. Next, the sharks themselves. Australia has the world's highest diversity of sharks and rays, including roughly 180 of the 509 known shark species.
It is estimated that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 sharks living in Sydney Harbour at any given time, with a maximum of around 100 individuals per species although in the breeding season, there are very many more Port Jackson sharks.