Out of more than 480 shark species, only three are responsible for two-digit numbers of fatal unprovoked attacks on humans: the great white, tiger and bull; however, the oceanic whitetip has probably killed many more castaways which have not been recorded in the statistics.
According to the International Shark Attack File, humans have been subjects of 17 documented, unprovoked attacks by hammerhead sharks within the genus Sphyrna since AD 1580. No human fatalities have been recorded.
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world — it can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh up to 41,000 pounds! Although this creature is ginormous, it is a harmless shark that poses no threat to humans. Whale sharks are filter feeders and only eat plankton and small fish — not humans.
Made of very strong and thick bone, dolphin snouts are biological battering rams. Dolphins will position themselves several yards under a shark and burst upwards jabbing their snout into the soft underbelly of the shark causing serious internal injuries. More than Peas in a Pod.
FACT: Sharks know the difference between fish and human blood and, while they can smell our blood, it is not a scent they associate with food. Scientific experiments have repeatedly shown that sharks have no interest in human blood.
Whale Shark
Whale sharks are among the friendliest shark species, if not the friendliest. They have been known for giving divers trips on their backs, and baby whale sharks are known to interact with humans.
1. Great White Shark. Great white sharks are the most aggressive sharks in the world has recorded 333 attacks on humans, with 52 of them being fatal. The inclusion of this particular species probably comes as no surprise since movies, particularly Jaws, and television shows are quick to show their aggression.
Scientists say research off Mexico's Guadalupe Island in the Pacific Ocean shows great white sharks are sociable and will sometimes work together to increase their chances of catching prey. Their findings were published Wednesday in the journal Biology Letters.
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.
Tiger sharks are one of three main shark species known to attack humans, and are thought to be responsible for most shark attacks in Hawaii. Three or four shark attacks occur per year on average in Hawaii (compared to an annual average of 40 drownings) and most attacks are non-fatal.
Tiger sharks are known for being aggressive, and it's true that they are second only to great whites in numbers of shark attacks on humans.
The great white shark has killed the most humans resulting in 52 known fatalities, though roughly 300 unprovoked attacks are recorded from the great white.
Most sharks are not dangerous to humans — people are not part of their natural diet. Despite their scary reputation, sharks rarely ever attack humans and would much rather feed on fish and marine mammals. Only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks have been involved in attacks on humans.
Tiger Sharks are large predators with powerful jaws. They can grow up to 25 feet in length and are found in sub-tropical to topical waters worldwide. These sharks are known for eating anything they can capture. They will commonly eat sea turtles and seals.
The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is the largest fish in the world. It is found in tropical and temperate oceans, in both deep water and coastal areas.
Nurse sharks often spend their days resting in groups of up to as many as 40 sharks in the wild. Some appear to be cuddling and snuggling while they rest.
A new study from a multi-institutional group of researchers shows female sand tiger sharks are loyal to specific shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast. Sand tiger sharks don't look like the friendliest bunch.
Porbeagles are one of the only shark species known to engage in playful behavior, just like dogs! They've been observed pushing floating objects and kelp around and chasing each other. They're very curious sharks and are likely to come check you or your boat out if you're in the water.
They discovered that certain copper compounds, like copper acetate, when combined with other ingredients, could mimic the odor of a dead shark and drive live sharks away from human beings in the water.
A shark's sense of smell is powerful – it allows them to find prey from hundreds of yards away. Menstrual blood in the water could be detected by a shark, just like any urine or other bodily fluids.
Quick Answer: They are Fast, Smart, and Work as a Dolphin Team. 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.