How to Treat and Avoid a Shark Attack

I Love to surf. Surfing on the Oregon coast takes a lot of courage braving the freezing ocean water. Wet suits have helped us all out little the last couple of years, but you can still get very cold. We surfers don't worry so much about the cold; we have another fear that haunts us every time we hit the water. We fear shark attacks. Sharks attack humans less than 100 times per year, but that to me is 100 times too many. These attacks account for about 15 deaths per year. There are 400 species of shark and only 40 of these have been known to attack humans. Sharks like the great white, tiger, and bull shark are the main three known to pose a threat. Any shark greater than 2 meters is a potential threat with the exception of the largest shark, the whale shark. Sharks normally eat fish, sharks, ray, squid and other invertebrates. They also eat sea lions, sea birds, and sea turtles. Sharks are amazing creatures that have incredible senses including a vision that is astounding. Two thirds of a sharks brain is centered on its smell and taste, this explains its ability to smell blood from long distances. Sharks also have special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini, which detect tiny electrical currents, such as those put out by active muscle contractions.

There are typically three types of shark attacks. The first is the hit and run approach. This is where the shark may take a bite and then not return for more. Many feel this is because the shark simply made a mistake and took you for normal prey. The second type of attack is called the "bump and bite" attack. The shark bumps the victim prior to returning for more bites. The last attack method is a sneak attack. The shark sneaks up to the victim and with no warning makes his attack. The hit and run attack is the most common we see. Most people who get attacked have no idea that a shark is even close to them. Shark jaws have multiple rows of serrated teeth that are replaced as they shed. Most shark bytes are crescent shaped. Occasionally a shark will sink its teeth to provide a deep wound, most of the time the cut is not very deep.