Other interesting facts

The bull shark is one of the deadliest sharks in the world and belongs to the group of only three sharks that are responsible for most attacks on humans.  This group of sharks contains the Bull Shark, Tiger Shark, and Great White Shark.  The bull shark may be the least known of theses three sharks, but may be the most dangerous because of its choice to live in shallow coastal areas close to humans.  The bull shark is also one of the few species of sharks that preys on animals that are its same size or even larger.

According to the International Shark Attack File bull sharks are responsible for at least 69 unprovoked attacks on humans around the world, 17 of which resulted in fatality. In reality this species is likely responsible for many more, and has been considered by many experts to be the most dangerous shark in the world. It's large size, occurrence in freshwater bodies of water, and its proximity to numerous human populations in the tropics makes it more of a potential threat than either the white shark or tiger shark. Since the bull shark occurs in numerous third world regions including Central America, Mexico, India, attacks are often not reported. The bull shark is also not as easily identifiable as the white or tiger shark, so is likely responsible for a large percentage of attacks with unidentified culprits.

        Photo by: Tobey Curtis

How to avoid an encounter with a Bull shark

1.  Avoid swimming near the mouths of rivers and estuaries with murky water, because this is where Bull sharks have been known to live.

2.  Do not swim near schools of fish near the shore, because these schools are often pursued by predators.

3.  Be cautious of spear fishing, because Bull sharks have been known to approach spear fishermen and their catch.

4.  Do not showboat around sharks in the water like many adventurers do on television.

5.  Remember that the Bull shark is not a monster and will only attack if provoked, or if you are confused as prey. 

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