Surviving A Shark Attack: Prevention, and Our Bodies Power To Fight Back.

Sharks are feared all around the world thanks to the movie Jaws. They have been known to attack people annually. Although the story of Jaws did have some truth to it, sharks do not really go around trying to find people to eat. The real inspiration of Jaws actually took place in Jersey Shore in 1916. There were five attacks killing four people, leaving one injured. The bull shark was actually blamed in these attacks, more so than the Great White likely because of its adaption to survive in rivers and lakes. Bull sharks attack more people than any other shark to this day, but it is the fearful Great White that gets all the attention.

Many scientists and experts will say that sharks mistake humans for prey. While that may sometimes be true, it isn’t always the case. Sharks are opportunist predators just like bears. If they see an opportunity for a meal, they may just take it, especially if weakness and fear is shown. Rogue sharks do exist and may like the taste of human flesh. There are sharks that actually have consumed humans, so how would that be considered mistaking prey? Many sharks will bite once, and let go because they realize it is not what they thought it was, such as a seal. Just like there are psychopath humans, there are rogue animals. There are a lot of reasons why sharks attack humans that are unknown.

What should you do if you get attacked by a shark? Well, before this even happens you can help prevent it.

· Never go into the ocean with cuts, or bleeding of any kind

· Wear stripes on your bathing suit, it is said that sharks don’t like them.

· Never swim alone

· Avoid swimming at dusk or dawn which is feeding time

· Don’t make a lot of motion in the water that would make you look like prey in distress.

· If you see a shark, do not run out the water in panic because this can cause them to attack.

· Don’t swim out too deep, especially far away from others.

Taking these precautions will help avoid an attack or encounter by a shark. This doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have a shark attack though. This makes it less likely to occur. If a shark does attack you, you may be in a state of panic. Panic is actually a good thing because it gives your body adrenalin to have the strength to fight back. The first thing you can do to stop the shark is the obvious, try to kick it, specifically in the gills. They will most likely let go, but some sharks will return in a surprise attack. Hitting or stabbing the shark in the eye is one of the best ways to stop an attack because they fear losing their eyesight, not to mention it must be painful. If you show the shark you are more trouble then you are worth then they will eventually give up. Sharks and other predators like easy meals, not ones that cause them damage. Thanks to survival mode, most people who get attacked survive with medical help. The Important thing is to never give up trying, and do all that you can to fight.