As "Shark Week" officially starts we thought it might be a good time to mention the statistics, facts and history of this often misunderstood predator. Here are a few shark facts that may clear up some of the sensationalism which started in June of 1975.

 Where do most attacks occur?

While the east coast of Florida has the most attacks in the world, South Africa is the home to the most fatal attacks.

What are the odds of being killed by a shark?

Only an average of 6 people are fatally injured by sharks each year. The odds are 1 in 3,700,000

Compare that to other odds of a fatal death:

Moto-Vehicle Crash 1 in 93

Drowning 1 in 1,006

Fire or Smoke 1 in 1,287

Hornet, Wasp or Bee Sting 1 in 54,516

Do sharks eat baby sea turtles?

Yes, because of their small size almost any type of shark will eat sea turtle hatchlings. It is made easy for sharks because hatchlings bodies have not completely hardened so they are soft, high in protein, and easily eaten, even by small sharks.

What is the biggest shark species?

The mature Whale Shark averages over 30 feet in length. However the largest one ever measured was just over 60 feet. They are known as gentle giants which swim around with open jaws gathering up plankton.

Sharks do not have bones!

Their cartilaginous skeletons are much lighter than true bone and their large livers are full of low-density oils, both helping them to be buoyant. 

What type of shark is the fastest?

The Shortfin Mako Shark is recorded with the fastest average speed, reaching 31 mph with bursts up to 46 mph!

Sharks don't have to visit the dentist!

Their teeth are immune to cavities because they are made with protective fluoride coating.

What are the predators of sharks?

Killer whales, crocodiles, and larger sharks will occasionally eat sharks, but the biggest threat to sharks is humans. Worldwide over 100 million sharks are caught/ killed each year.

What animals are deadlier to humans than sharks?

Actually there are many. Few animals are as terrifying to humans as sharks but hippos (avg. 500 yearly), deer (avg. 120 yearly), bees (avg. 53 yearly) and cows (avg. 22 yearly) are more deadly than sharks.

So enjoy shark week and remember that swimming near people who are fishing can be dangerous!