Unprovoked Shark Attacks Are on the Rise Worldwide

Unprovoked shark attacks worldwide are on the rise and so are the number of fatalities, according to a new study.

The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File confirmed 69 unprovoked attacks last year.

Researchers say that’s higher than the most recent five-year average of 63.

52% or 26 of the shark bites occurred in the U.S., with Florida recording the most of any state at 16.

The number of deadly attacks doubled from 5 to 10 – and were caused by white, bull and tiger sharks.

40% of the fatalities occurred in Australia in remote surfing areas. Two were confirmed in the U.S. and one each in eight other countries.

One researcher says, “This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year.”

Most of the unprovoked shark bites occurred in surfers, followed by swimmers and waders.

Nearly two dozen additional shark attacks classified as intentional or unintentional were also recorded in 2023.

The researchers say the uptick in bites isn’t due to increased aggression from white sharks but from a combination of more people being in the ocean and better reporting.