Why do Sharks sometimes Attack People?

Shark Attacks

During the World War II, American pilots carried a substance that allegedly would avoid shark attacks, although lately was proved that it worked completely the opposite, encouraging more shark attacks instead than preventing them.

There are many theories about why shark attack humans.

Why Sharks Attack People?

Some scientists think that sharks confuse humans with some other marine animals like seals or sea lions as sharks do not seek humans as prey.

This is based on several cases of white shark attacks on surfers, where it was discovered that looking a surfer from the bottom of the ocean clearly resemble a seal.

However, analyzing the visual capabilities of white sharks contradict this theory as white sharks have a exceptional visual system, making this explanation very unlikely.

There is another theory which states that the super sensitive senses of sharks, can detect electrical impulses common of muscle moving and such signals make them interested in tasting.

Some other theories introduced the idea that sharks are curious by nature and taking a small bite of a human is simply a way to satisfy their curiosity.

This explanation came from the fact that most of the time sharks attack humans giving a quick bite and then swimming away.

This behavior is very convenient for humans as sometimes people can survive the attack leaving the sea while the shark retreats.

The real truth is that while there are many theories and research about why sharks attack humans, there is not a sound answer yet.

Video of Shark Attacks

Analysis of a shark attack to a surfer