Why do great white sharks attack people even though the books say they don't?

Question

Why do great white sharks attack people even though the books say they don't?

Answer 1

The great white shark is known to live mainly on large fish such as tuna, marlin and broadbill swordfish. As well as these fast - swimming species it will also catch sluggish bottom-dwelling skates and rays. Seals, dolphins, sea lions and turtles also often fall victim. sharks have an acute sense of smell, enabling them to find their food. The surface of the snout has thousands of tiny holes which make up an important sensory organ which allows the shark to sense minute drops of blood in the water. It can detect a tiny drop of blood in 4,600,000 litres of water. The shark can see and hear very well which also helps it to locate its prey. In fact two thirds of the shark's brain area is devoted to the vital sense of smell.

The great white shark is certainly likely to regard a swimming human as a tasty snack! It is often found in quite shallow water and, unlike other dangerous species of sharks, if attracted to a swimmer or diver it does not approach and carefully investigate before attempting to bite, but rushes in before the hapless victim realises what is going on!

Surfers are particularly at risk from great white attacks probably because the shark mistakes people paddling on boards for a sea-lion or seal.

The great white sharks have lived in the world's oceans for well over 300 million years. We may be right to be afraid of them but these awe-inspiring animals also deserve our respect and admiration.

Answer 2

They generally do not attack people. If they do it is often mistaken identity, investigation, intimidation, hunger, or weakness. Basically they thought you were something else they eat so they attack or they don't know what you are so they investigate you by bumping/biting. They may also be posturing. Basically if they are bigger they expect you to leave the area. If you don't (you might not know they are there) they take that as a challenge.

They may attack out of hunger or weakness. One theory is that often female whites that have just given birth are often weak and hungry so a person (we are clumsy in the water) would make an easy meal rather than trying to tangle with a seal.

Answer 3

Great white sharks do not attack out of viciousness. They attack wounded people, because of the blood. Also, they are curious, but their only way to explore is by biting. We can use our hands, but they have none. Unfortunately, if they bite a human, their strength, large amount and sharpness of teeth will certainly cause bleeding, which makes them aggressive and drives them to kill.

Answer 4

They are hungry.

Answer 5

They do attack people, but the books are trying to convince you that sharks are beautiful creatures. If they tell you sharks attack people, you'll just think they're mindless killers. If they give you the facts, then when you find out they're predators, that's all they are. It's nature. They only think we're fish when they attack. If they knew we were humans, they wouldn't attack, but from the ocean floor, we look like fish.

Answer 6

I don't call them "attacks." I call them "mistakes." Most the time, great whites mistake a person for a seal (on a surfboard).

Answer 7

it's purely by accident. when a shark is hunting near teh beach, a person's legs thrashing can look like food to them. usually ,they bite once, realize the mistake, and let go.