R & C | ICHTHYOLOGY | SHARKS: FACT AND FANTASY

Shark Attack Odds

Contrary to popular belief, sharks are not vicious people-eaters. About 100 people are attacked each year worldwide and most of these victims survive. Many people are terrified of sharks. It is important to be careful around, of course, but it should be remembered that most sharks are small, harmless or live in habitats out-of-reach of people. In fact, more people are killed each year in the United States by pigs than by sharks. Your chances of ever being attacked by a shark are very small.