That statistic sounds terrifying, but the ISAF reports that overall the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide decreased last year, trying with 2020 for the fewest number of bites in the last 10 years. Shark attacks: Florida is shark bite capital of the world, according to International Shark Attack File Florida in France: It's a small world: Tallahassee couple came across FAMU's. Elsewhere, Australia had nine confirmed and non-fatal unprovoked bites, a drop from the annual five-year average of 15, while New Zealand, Thailand and Brazil all saw one attack each. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Anglers are only allowed to catch one shark per day or two per vessel. This accounts for 38% of shark attacks. Sightings of porpoises or dolphins do not indicate the absence of sharks, both often eat the same food items. The attack happened near Keaton Beach and after several . Feeding sharks while diving or snorkeling is prohibited and boats are not allowed to while divers are in the water. It is still extremely rare to be killed by a shark in Florida. The most common time of day to be attacked by sharks in Florida is 14:00 to 15:00 (2-3 PM). The concentration of fish and other ocean life in the channel inevitably attracts apex predators, including sharks. "The unprovoked bites are likely due to the same forces responsible for unprovoked bites in previous years," Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural HistorysFlorida Program for Shark Research told NBC 6. Avoid water being used by recreational or commercial anglers. Although there were fewer bites last year, a spike in localized incidents has prompted concern from residents and government officials in some areas. The report, however, doesnt include shark attacks that may have been prompted by factors including fishing lines cast in the direction of sharks or the presence of chum in the water. The second most commonly identified shark in Florida attacks is the Blacktip shark. Three provoked and zero fatal. Being far from shore also isolates you from any emergency assistance. "The FWC would like to extend our heartfelt best wishes to Jameson Reeder, Jr. and his family during his recovery.". If you see lots of bait fish or diving seabirds, there is a good chance sharks are in the water and caution should be taken. A large fraction of the bites (nearly half) are in Volusia county. You can see footage of sharks spotted at a nearby Florida beach here: Please turn off your ad blocking software to view this video Beachgoer Robert Alexander said he heard people screaming. There have been 6 shark attacks bites in Hawaii (1 fatal shark attack). How many shark attacks bites have there been in Hawaii in 2022? In 2022 swimmers and waders overtook surfers and board sports enthusiasts, representing 43% of incidents to 35% respectively. CASE: GSAF 2022.10.10.R DATE: Reported October 10, 2022 LOCATION: Key Largo, Monroe County, Florida, USA NAME: Malec Mata DESCRIPTION: A 15-year-old male from South Florida BACKGROUND DEPTH OF WATER: Waist-deep NARRATIVE: Malec Mata was casting bait when the small nurse shark got wrapped up in their fishing line. Florida had 28 unprovoked bites last year, compared to 19 in the rest of the U.S. and 26 total outside the U.S. Florida's 28 cases represented 60% of the U.S. total and 38% of unprovoked bites worldwide. One area going against the trend is why people are falling victim to unprovoked attacks. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) The remains of a man who had disappeared in southern Argentina earlier this month appear to have been found inside a . Dont be scared of the ocean, Addison Bethea told Miamis CBS affiliate from her bed when asked to send a message to the public. Shark attacks are relatively rare in the Red Sea, but when they do occur, theyre often fatal, Naylor said. Nissan says the SUVs have jackknife folding keys that may . Breaking from recent trends,surfers and those participating in board sports accounted for fewer incidents (35% of the total cases). Beware of sharks swimming closer to shore, American alligator attacks are rare. South Africa also reported two fatal shark attacks last year. The number of sharks in the worlds oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls," said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys Florida Program for Shark Research. Officials said it was undetermined what kind of shark attacked the girl, but witnesses described it as approximately nine feet long. In total, the United States has seen 1,555 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks, with 57.6% of attacks occurring in Florida. But local perceptions of shark bites rarely map to global statistics. The first three were all at New Smyrna Beach! Sometimes they can come very close to shore, bringing nutrients and fish with them. The panhandle is even less likely to encounter sharks in Florida beaches. Reflected light from jewelry can also attract sharks, so it is best to avoid wearing any at the beach. "But local perceptions of shark bites rarely map to global statistics. A SERIES of shark attacks and sightings were reported in the United States in 2022. Fossil scales have shown that sharks have been in the ocean for at least. It worked. Volusia County has the highest number of attacks by sharks in Florida beaches. FOX Weather multimedia journalist Brandy Campbell explains how new research from the University of Miami is suggesting the changing climate is affecting the behavior of tiger sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. Rhett Willingham, left, and Addison Bethea, right, discuss a 30 June shark attack which Addison survived, but not without needing her right leg amputated above the knee. Slowly and calmly evacuate the water if sharks are seen. That attack occurred last year when a snorkeler went missing along Keawakapu Beach in Maui, Hawaii. The most common identifiable shark species caught on Floridas Atlantic Coast is the Atlantic Sharpnose, accounting for 22% of sharks harvested from the Atlantic waters. Naylor says most shark attacks last year were likely from sand tiger sharks. The average number of people to get bit by a shark in Florida each year is about 30 and that is with millions of people visiting the beaches. Also, avoid swimming during the nighttime when sharks are very active. The International Shark Attack File on Monday released statistics on how many people were bitten by sharks and how many died from their injuries in 2022. Only one, in Hawaii, was fatal. The recall covers Rogues from the 2014 through 2020 model years, as well as Rogue Sports from 2017 through 2022. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code. Below are over 50 statistics for sharks in Florida beaches, waters, and aquariums, updated for 2022. Since 1926, 17% of the 646 unprovoked shark attacks in Florida have happened this month. Nissan says the . You can see them in the aquarium included with your admission or pay an additional $19 for the, Discovery Cove is another great place to swim with sharks. Florida's 16 shark attacks in 2022 were lower than the recent (2017-2021) average of 22 attacks. Sharks bit 16 people in unprovoked encounters off Floridas waters in 2022, and while none of these bites were fatal, two, most likely from bull sharks, required medical attention resulting in amputations, according to the study. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, 17-year-old injured in shark attack off Florida, 17-year-old seriously injured in shark attack off Florida, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murders of wife and son. Stephen Smith is a senior editor for CBSNews.com. Jameson Reeder, 10, of North Carolina, was snorkeling near the Dry Tortugas west of Key West when a bull shark bit him on Aug. 13. The girl was scalloping in water approximately 5 feet deep near Grassy Island, just of Keaton Beach, when she was bitten by the shark, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Shark bites Palm City youngster turning family trip to Hobe Sound Beach into adventure, Man bitten by shark at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park: 'He got me pretty good', Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. They had to remove/amputate from just below the knee to save his life as it was not operable from the damage the shark had caused," Reeder wrote. There have only ever been 9 shark attacks in Florida between the hours of 20:00 to 7:00, with the exact time of day not specified. The tropical waters of the red sea are a haven for divers but shark attacks remain rare. I know if Rhett hadnt been the one that was with her when it happened, we may be in a very different scenario right now.. The ISAF is the worlds only scientifically documented, comprehensive database of all known shark attacks. Pinellas County has the most unprovoked attacks of sharks in Florida beaches for the gulf coast. FILE - A bull sharks comes close to inspect tourist and their cameras during an eco tourism shark dive off of Jupiter, Florida on May 5, 2022. Here's what we know, Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day, Beware of sharks swimming closer to shore, What to know about safety, size and location in graphics, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The report focuses on unprovoked attacks because unprovoked bites give us significantly more insight into the biology and behavior of sharks, explains Naylor. Last year, the United States only reported one fatal shark attack. In 2022 there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites worldwide, most of which happened in the U.S. and Australia. To reduce your risk of a shark attack the International Shark Attack File recommends: For more information on reducing your risk of a shark bite, click here. Of those reported unprovoked shark attacks, five were fatal. He's one of the three people in Florida who've been attacked by sharks in the last week. This was only the 11th known unprovoked attack from this species, according to the International Shark Attack File. A woman snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas early in the year was notably bitten by a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), which rarely attack humans. The chances of being bitten by a shark remain incredibly low. She was under the water and then she came back up and there was blood all around her and I saw the shark.. Primary Menu Sections Skip to search results Bethea said she was raised to love the water, and she intended to keep doing so despite the long recovery she faces. Anglers that plan to perform shore-based shark fishing, must pass an educational course from FWC and acquire a permit. "It's a tragedy, what's happened," Sheriff Padgett told WCTV. A swimmer who survived a shark attack is telling her harrowing story. In another attack, a teen girl lost part of her leg after being bitten by a shark at Keaton Beach in north western Florida. The highest reported county, Volusia County, reported. This is an increase from 2021 when 64% of the worldwide unprovoked bites occurred in the U.S. Australias total of nine unprovoked incidents was lower than the most recent five-year annual average of 15 incidents for the region. A teenager who was in hospital to have her right leg amputated on Tuesday after a shark bit her off Floridas coast said she had no intention of abandoning her love for the water. Doctors saved her life, but were unable to salvage the entire leg, requiring that she undergo amputation above the knee. There were five fatal attacks, down from nine in 2021 and ten the year . Published on July 20, 2022 02:28 PM . Before 2022, there were only 12 recorded unprovoked bites in New York's history, including four from the past decade, according to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum. You may opt-out by. Twenty-five shark attack bites have been reported in Florida in 2022. Ohio Woman 'So Thankful' for Help from Beachgoers After Surviving Shark Attack in Florida . Chumming is not allowed from the beach or while wade fishing. This was at least the fifth shark attack off. Of these, five attacks were fatal, down from nine deaths in 2021 and 10 the year prior. Florida had most unprovoked shark attacks on Earth last year, with none resulting in fatalities. And then I look and its a big old shark," the victim, 17-year-old Addison Bethea, told "Good Morning America" from her hospital bed in an exclusive interview airing Saturday morning. "They said the shark made the decision for him and wasnt anything they could do to save it. Florida had 32 provoked bites and 16 unprovoked bites, including one on the Treasure Coast. This is a BETA experience. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A man who was severely injured in the waters off Jacksonville Beach on Saturday might have been bitten by a shark, lifeguards told News4JAX. And one woman who was swimming in the Dry Tortugas off the Florida Keys was attacked by a lemon shark, which doesnt attack humans that often. The chances of being bitten are extremely rare and are about 1 in 4 million. Jupiter, Florida - May 05, 2022: A bull shark gets up close to inspect divers during an eco . The juvenile sand tigers will follow the fish, which in some cases leads to an uptick in encounters with people," he said in the release. Avoid areas with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial anglers, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Unprovoked shark bites have averaged 74 a year since 2013. He was wading in waist-deep water with his dad . SEE THE GREAT WHITE SHARK CAUGHT BY 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN FLORIDA, Shark Lands on New Zealand Fishing Vessel, (Churchys Charters NZ via Storyful / FOX Weather), "Generally speaking, the number of sharks in the worlds oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls," Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys Florida Program for Shark Research, said in a news release. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. "Its likely that fatalities are down because some areas have recently implemented rigorous beach safety protocols, especially in Australia, where there were nine unprovoked bites in 2022. FOX Weather's Nicole Valdes is live from the Chatham Fishing Pier in Massachusetts. Im still going to get in the ocean when I heal and get better, she said. One of the best ways to avoid shark attacks is to stay near a group of people since sharks tend to go for individuals. This final section looks at shark landing statistics (AKA sharks caught fishing). In 2016, researchers determined that juvenile sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) had taken up residence in Great South Bay, between Long Island and Fire Island. Of those reported unprovoked shark attacks, five were fatal. Further south in Keaton Beach, Florida, a teen survived a shark bite after punching the shark in the nose. Whatever potential food source they find, theyll sample.. "Unprovoked bites" are defined as incidents in which a bite on a live human occurs in the shark's natural habitat with no . Florida has topped the global charts in the number of shark bites for decades, and the trend continued in 2021, researchers said. Here are six statistics on sharks in Florida attacks from the International Shark Attack File. Let me know if any surprised you! Shark attacks 2022: How many shark attacks took place in the United States?,A SERIES of shark attacks and sightings have been reported throughout the United States in 2022. His family rushed to rescueJameson, who was staying afloat on a swimming noodle, and "tourniqueted his leg above the bite to slow/stop the bleeding.". Other Florida shark species harvested from the Atlantic include blacktip sharks, dusky, bull, sand tiger sharks, shortfin mako, and more. It was the attacked in 103 or 16% of Florida shark attacks. The attack happened at Keaton Beach in northwestern Florida's Taylor County on Thursday. Regarding Panhandle counties, Bay County has seen the most unprovoked shark attacks. Tech & Science Shark Attack Shark Animal attacks Lucas Cruz had been celebrating his 15th birthday near Key Largo in the Florida Keys when his legs were bitten by a shark estimated to. Species in Florida Beach Shark Attacks Since 1926, Chances of an Unprovoked Attack by Sharks in Florida, Know Before You Go: Sharks in Florida Beaches. However, what many do not know is that there are also thousands of sharks in Florida residing at those very same beaches! Before these attacks, the state had only 12 reported unprovoked bites. "She came back up and I saw, like, the blood and everything, and I saw the shark," Willingham told "Good Morning America." In 2022, about 57 unprovoked shark attacks were recorded in which five of which were fatal compared to the 73 cases in 2021 with nine fatalities. One of the girl's family members reportedly jumped in the water and beat the shark off of her until she was free, officials said. An Ohio woman is recovering at home after being attacked by a shark in Florida. Long Island in particular has suffered, with researchers pointing to juvenile sand tiger sharks who have taken up residence in the Great South Bay between Long Island and Fire Island. Open oceans are often pretty bleak, and the pelagic sharks that live in them make their living by opportunism. The Gulf Streams eddies ebb and flow each year. Of these, five attacks were fatal, down from nine deaths in 2021 and 10 the year prior. GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH SHOWS GREAT WHITE SHARKS MAY CHANGE COLOR TO BETTER HUNT THEIR PREY. Jasmine Carney, 10, of Palm City, was playing near the shoreline at Hobe Sound Public Beach when a shark bit her foot on Nov. 27. Only 42 unprovoked shark attacks have happened here in 140 years. But local perceptions of shark bites rarely map to global statistics. Bethea said she felt compelled to defend her devotion to the seas after people flooded her Instagram account with comments expressing fear of the open waters after news of the shark attack broke several days earlier. USA TODAY reached out to Reeder for further updates. Published: Feb. 28, 2023 at 10:07 AM PST. Shark attacks are very rare, and are often not fatal. Last weekend, the family of a 10-year-old said the boy lost part of his leg in the attack. Its just insane because Ive seen other people go through things and need support and thought itd never be me, said Bethea. The teen was scalloping in water approximately 5 feet deep near Grassy Island, just of Keaton Beach, when she was bitten by the shark, according to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office. Since 2012, there have been 761 unprovoked shark attacks in the world. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy says they know of less than 10 shark attacks around Cape Cod since 1937, and it's because humans are not on the menu, despite what the popular movie might suggest. According to the University of Floridas International Shark Attack File, there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites in 2022, most of which occurred in the United States and Australia. And if youre still not convinced, lets compare the imbalance in human and shark fatalities to see who the true victims are. In all, 72 shark bites have been reported off Treasure Coast beaches since 1998, according to TCPalm.com's shark attack database. The larger ones can get to be 6 feet long. The girl was flown to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to receive treatment for those injuries, the sheriff's office said. The International Shark Attack File provides a curated list of recommendations for further reducing your risk of a shark bite, such as removing reflective jewelry before entering the water and avoiding areas where people are fishing. In fact, the attack marked only the 11th known unprovoked attack from that species, according to the ISAF. Four bites occurred in New South Wales, four bites occurred in Western Australia, and a single incident occurred in Victoria. As reported by the ISAF, in 2022 there were 57 unprovoked shark bites, mostly in the United States and Australia. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The State of Florida is placed right between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.Consequently, it has numerous beaches stretching hundreds of miles. On the Atlantic Coast of Florida, 6,666,509 sharks were harvested between 2004 and 207. Email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com. A shark bit a human in the Florida Keys again. Generally speaking, the number of sharks in the worlds oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys Florida Program for Shark Research. Investigating 108 alleged human and shark interactions in 2022, there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites and 32 provoked bites, with most occurring in the United States and Australia. Drone video shows a tiger shark swimming close to beachgoers in Western Australia. After Florida, New York had the second most number of reported bites with eight incidents, Hawaii had 5, California and South Carolina had four each, North Carolina had two and Texas and Alabama had one incident each. A list of 2021 fatal shark attacks world wide from information gathered by https://www.trackingsharks.com/ and https://www.sharkattackfile.netLinks to more i. Trending Videos. All Florida shark landing statistics in this section were obtained from the FWC website. And beachgoers will need to be on guard this Fourth of July holiday weekend. That's down from nine in 2021 and 10 in 2020. All rights reserved. People everywhere from New York to California suffered gruesome injuries that were a result of an un And he just kept coming. Bethea said Willinghams rescue strengthened a sibling bond that was already fiercely close. T he Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File investigated 108 alleged shark-human interactions worldwide in 2022. In 2022 there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites worldwide, most of which . Sitade Getty Images/iStockphoto A 10-year-old North Carolina boy on vacation with. The overall reduction in the number of bites last year may reflect the documented global decline of shark populations. COCOA BEACH, Florida Florida accounted for 39% of all shark attacks in the U.S. and 28% of the worlds total in 2022 according to the University of Florida International Shark Attack File (ISAF) 2022 Worldwide Shark Attack Summary. Only one attack was reported on the database in 2022, and Krebs . Weve always been close, like since forever, so this somehow brought us even more close, Bethea said. The International Shark Attack File places a strong emphasis on unprovoked bites in its annual report and does not highlight attacks that may have been prompted by mitigating circumstances, such as fishing lines cast in the direct vicinity of the incident or the presence of chum in the water. Brevard County has the second highest amounts of shark attacks in Florida. "Addison has a long journey to recovery, but she was in good spirits today, surrounded by her family in Tallahassee Memorials Pediatric Intensive Care Unit," the hospital said. (Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency / Getty Images). According to the World Health Organization, drowning is thethird leading cause of accidental deathworldwide, and coastal features like rip tides and strong currents pose a greater risk to beachgoers than sharks. And for more resources or to get involved in shark conservation, check out organizations like The Shark Trust and start changing things for the better. Initiated in 1958, there are now more than 6,800 individual investigations covering the period from the early 1500s to the present. Since 1837, there have been 896 confirmed unprovoked attacks by sharks in Florida. New York and New Jersey beaches experienced a string of shark sightings and attacks last summer that put beachgoers on edge. For more Florida beach tips, check out my guide to Florida vacation ideas and my list of top dog-friendly beaches. The State Attorney's Office said the incident was captured on video and sparked an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Entering or Exiting the water is the least common activity for a shark attack to occur, with less than 50 shark bites occurring to someone performing that activity since 1926. The International Shark Attack File has been tracking data regarding locations of shark attacks in Florida since 1926 and I have used these numbers to present the statistics below. Brevard County has the second highest amounts of shark attacks in Florida. Instagram; Twitter; Digital News Writer, PEOPLE. And I couldn't get around to his nose the way he bit me.". According to the research, there were a total of 57 unprovoked attacks in 2022, most of which occurred in the United States and Australia. There were 32 additional bites in 2022 that fit the ISAFs criteria for having been intentionally or unintentionally provoked. The International Shark Attack File, run by the Florida Museumwhich records. "And the next thing I know something latches onto my leg and I was like that's not right. In an email to USA TODAY Tuesday morning, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said a final report was not available yet but the agencydid confirm the shark attack. Shark attack US map reveals predator hotspots after 22 mauled in 2022 - placing beaches on high alert,AT least 22 people have been mauled by sharks in the United States this year alone, according to shocking new data. A relaxing day at the beach quickly took a turn for 33-year-old Bryan Olivares. 3) Male, 21-year-old, 3/9/22 Blacktip sharks are easy to identify by the black tipped fins. / CBS News. A teen bitten by a shark off the coast of the Florida Panhandle last week is recovering in the hospital and surrounded by her family. There has not been a fatal shark bite in Florida since. Florida has led the world in shark bites for decades, according to the International Shark Attack File. Always stay with a buddy, since sharks are more likely to approach a solitary individual. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present. None of which are considered provoked Shark attacks by location in Australia: Lifeguards get these alerts firsthand from researchers and are in charge of deciding if and what action to take, if there could be a shark nearby. A woman snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas was bitten by a lemon shark, notable as they rarely attack humans; it was only the 11th known unprovoked attack from this species. "Unprovoked bites give us significantly more insight into the biology and behavior of sharks," Naylor said in the release. While she was in waters 5ft deep off Keaton Beach, about 75 miles south-east of the state capital, Tallahassee, she felt a tug. Tue 5 Jul 2022 12.35 EDT Last modified on Tue 5 Jul 2022 15.52 EDT. To help with this, ISAF offers resources for reducing your risk of shark bite and instructions for what to do if youre attacked. Here's the complete list of shark attacks in Florida in 2022. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Next, I will use the data from the International Shark Attack Files to present statistics regarding the most and least common time of year and day for Florida shark attacks. "As a result, the sharks are more likely to mistake someone's hand or foot for an intended prey item (mullet or menhaden).". The family of Diego Barra, 32, recognized his remains due to a tattoo that was visible, Daniela . Globally, the fishing industry kills around 100 million sharks every year, and thats before considering habitat loss, environmental pollution and other human factors decimating numbers and habitats. However this is in the family Carcharhinidae which is one of the requiem species, so there are likely more blacktips in Florida attacks than this. Most of them were documented in the US and. If you are looking to see sharks safely from behind glass, there are many aquariums and attractions throughout Florida to do so. Out of 73 unprovoked incidents recorded around the world last year, 28 were in Florida, representing 60% of the total cases in the United States and 38% of cases worldwide. Researchers cited two reasons why unprovoked bites were lower in 2022 than 2021. "Some rules to follow are: never swim alone, do not enter the water near fishermen, avoid areas such as sandbars (where sharks like to congregate), do not swim near large schools of fish and avoid erratic movements while in the water.". A teenager who was in hospital to have her right leg amputated on Tuesday after a shark bit her off Florida's coast said she . The juvenile sand tigers will follow the fish, which in some cases leads to an uptick in encounters with people, explained Naylor of the quirk in data. Indeed, shark attacks are relatively rare, with just 73 worldwide last year reported as unprovoked, though 28 of those did occur in Florida. New York saw a record eight unprovoked bites in 2022 where it had only reported 12 in total previously. That number was consistent with Florida's most recent five-year annual average of 25 shark attacks, according to researchers. Thank you Yeshua/Jesus!!!". Changing the environment such that sharks are drawn to the area in search of their natural food source might prompt them to bite humans when they otherwise wouldnt., Image by Jane Dominguez/University of Florida. The ISAF says the U.S. had the highest number of shark attacks last year, and Florida had more reported bites than anywhere else on the planet. Shark attacks increased worldwide in 2021 after three consecutive years of decline, though the previous year's significantly low numbers were attributed to lockdowns and restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to yearly research conducted by the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File.