Something changed last year.
Shark attacks worldwide dropped by about a third in 2024 compared to the previous year, making it a bit safer to enter the water. According to data from the International Shark Attack File compiled by the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 47 unprovoked shark attacks globally in 2024, with 28 of them occurring in U.S. waters. This is lower than the 10-year average of around 70 attacks annually, making 2024 an unusual year.
The United States continues to lead the list of countries where shark bites occur, with Florida recording the highest number of bites, particularly in Volusia County. This region has long been known as the “shark bite capital of the world,” with many of the incidents involving blacktip sharks, especially juveniles that may mistake humans for their natural prey. Florida’s Panhandle was also a hotspot, with three separate attacks occurring on the same day at Watersound Beach and Seacrest Beach, possibly due to environmental factors like blocked dune lakes driving fish closer to shore.
Other countries, including Australia, Egypt, Belize, and several others, also reported shark attacks, but their numbers were significantly lower. Only four of the 47 global attacks in 2024 were fatal, marking a noticeable decline in deadly encounters.
While incidents like those on Florida’s beaches or on Texas’ Padre Island over the July 4th weekend raised concerns, experts stress that the likelihood of encountering a shark is very low. They note that environmental conditions, such as warm weather, attract both people and sharks closer to shore, increasing the chances of encounters. However, other water-related dangers, like rip currents, are far more dangerous to beachgoers than shark attacks.
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