Page 36 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Sharks & Ocean Predators
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Bull shark BULL SHARK
Carcharhinus leucas
Class Chondrichthyes
A cranky character that hangs out in town

Bull sharks are considered to be some of the most dangerous
Territory Tropical and
sharks in the world. They are a particularly aggressive species subtropical waters
and like to live in shallow water, putting them in close range of Diet Fish, other sharks, marine
mammals
populated shoreline areas. Bull sharks can also thrive in freshwater,
Lifespan Up to 16 years
and have been known to swim up the Mississippi and Amazon Adult weight 90-230kg (200-
Rivers. Since records began in 1580, there have been 100 500lbs)
unprovoked bull shark attacks on humans, Conservation Status
21 of which have been fatal.
NEAR THREATENED

Why do sharks attack?

Sharks are misunderstood creatures,
and we are visitors to their habitat

Of all the species of sharks that live in our oceans, there
are only a mere dozen that have been involved in
attacks on humans. In 2014, there were 72
unprovoked shark attacks on humans.
Considering the number of people who
swim, snorkel and dive in oceans
worldwide, these attacks are
extremely rare.
The number one offender for
human attacks is the great white.
However, these sharks are naturally
inquisitive and will investigate
anything that they don’t recognise
in the water. They use teeth like we
use our hands, to feel something new.
Sharks will not actively hunt or eat
humans because we are too bony for
them to digest. They are likely to only take
an exploratory nibble of humans, and much
prefer to eat seals, which are covered in a layer of
soft blubber.
When it comes to avoiding shark attacks, there are
a fe w tips to bear in mind. Don’t go in the water if you
are bleeding, and make sure to stay in groups, as sharks
are more likely to be attracted to lone swimmers. Avoid
swimming in the early morning and late afternoon,
when the sharks are most likely to be on the hunt for
unsuspecting prey.

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