Sharks have the power to strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned surfers and scuba divers. Since its release in 1975, Jaws has left many holidaymakers terrified of an unprovoked attack from the ocean's most feared predator. Despite their grizzly reputation and the vengeful monster in Jaws, the majority of sharks actually aren't a danger to humans and there's little evidence to suggest they ever actively hunt humans.
According to scientists, sharks would much rather eat fish than people. The USA's National Ocean Service states that only about a dozen of the 300 species of shark have ever attacked a human. However, that doesn't stop people being scared of them.
Around 46 percent of the UK population are thought to be terrified of sharks. So where are the most unprovoked shark attacks recorded? This article is based on data from the International Shark Attack File and unprovoked attacks are classified as attacks where there has been no human provocation such as trying to touch or feed the shark. 8.
South Africa There were two unprovoked shark attacks in South Africa in 2023 but luckily neither was fatal. Tiger, bull and great white sharks are responsible for the majority of attacks in South Africa. (Image: Getty) Link copied 7.
Mexico Mexico had one unprovoked shark attack in 2023 and it was fatal. Although shark attacks are relatively rare in the popular tourist destination, great white sharks are found in the country's waters. (Image: Getty) Link copied 6.
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