Shark Attacks on Humans Aren’t Always What They Seem, Scientists Say

Sharks might not be as responsible for rare human bites as we assumed. In a study released today, scientists argue that at least some shark bites should be considered a form of self-defense. Marine biologists from France led the research, published in Frontiers in Conservation Science. After analyzing shark bite data from throughout the world, they estimated that about 5% of shark-on-human bites are wholly defensive, rather than sharks trying to catch their next meal. The findings should help inform shark bite prevention efforts, the researchers say. “The results of this study show that sharks have as much right as any animal or human to defend themselves when their survival is at stake.” Lead researcher Eric Clua, a shark specialist at PSL University, was inspired to look into the topic by observations he had made during his field studies in French Polynesia. He often heard about fishermen who systematically slaughtered sharks that had unwittingly become trapped in fish pens. Thes ... Read full article.