Shark attacks can be due to a method of self -defense And survive against people and no aggression without any reason and planned by these animals. It is the conclusion that has been reached with a study published in the magazine Frontiers in Conservation Science about which a new version This feared animal from the depths of the oceans.
According to the authors of this research, despite the image of this Animals their attacks are rare Because only a hundred bite is registered worldwide for a year, and alone A tenth of them is deadly.
This is noted in this report based on data collected in Frans Polynesia, where they were documented 74 shark bites between 2009 and 2023. “At least four of them can be motivated by self -defense in a pattern that suggests that the phenomenon could be given in a similar ratio on a global scale,” these researchers defend.
Shark attacks in self -defense
An unjustified fame. Research in Frans Polynesia reveals that certain sharks bite how Instinctive survival reaction For people who consider threats. Sharks are usually portrayed as ruthless predators, a reinforced stigma for decades through the media and popular culture. However, attacks are rare: they are recorded Only a hundred bite a year worldwide, and only one tenth is deadly.
Now, a study published in the magazine Frontiers in Conservation Science proposes a new perspective on some of these incidents. According to his authors, a small percentage of bites can be due to a reaction of self -defense by the shark.
“We show that shark -defensive snacks are a reality in response to an initial human aggression and that in these cases the animal should not be considered guilty,” says Eric Clua, Main author of the work and shark specialist at the French University of Research Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL). “These bites are a manifestation of the survival instinct and the responsibility of the incident must be resumed.”
The study was based on data collected in Frans Polynesia, where 74 shark bites were documented between 2009 and 2023. At least four of them could be motivated by self -defense. This pattern suggests that the phenomenon can be given in a similar ratio on a global scale.
This type of bites occurs when the shark regards human actions as threatening, such as fish with harpoon or trying to touch the animal. They usually produce superficial and non -decisive wounds, similar to those observed in defensive bites of terrestrial predators such as bears or casuales.
“Some coastal species, such as the gray shark from Arrecife, are very territorial and daring enough to approach people,” explains Clua. “It is enough that a person penetrates his space for the animal to respond.” “We have to consider the idea,” intuitive piece – that sharks are usually afraid of people “
Don’t touch shark, not even to help
To strengthen his conclusions, the team analyzed the records of the Global Shark Attack file, which has included nearly 7,000 bites since 1863. Of the cases classified as ’caused’ -that means that there was earlier human interaction -, up to 322 could have been motivated by Self -Defense, A figure that is consistent with the percentages that are found in the French Polynesia.
“Trying to help a stranded shark can also be interpreted as an aggression,” says Clua. «Not physically interaction with a shark, even if it seems harmless or is in trouble. They are potentially dangerous animals, and Don’t touch them is a show of respect for them«. This new interpretation of bites could help reduce the conflicts between people and sharks, which contributes to their preservation and a safer and more balanced side by side in the oceans.