JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — With the recent reports of shark bites in Florida, the most recent a 14-year-old boy in Ponce Inlet, many are wondering if shark bites are more likely than they have been in the past.
Despite what feels like an uptick in shark bites, local marine experts say attacks are still extremely rare. Marine Biologists at the University of Jacksonville said sharks are not hunting humans, but rather mistaking us as prey.
Dr. Quinton White described the recent reports of shark bites as a "numbers game."
"The correlation to shark bites is the number of people in the water," White said. "The sharks are always there. The more people you have in the water, the more likely you are to have someone get bitten."
According to the International Shark File, of the 69 unprovoked shark bites that have been recorded in 2023, 36 were in the U.S. The numbers show reports of shark bites were trending below average until the summer heat sent more swimmers to the water.
White did say experts are seeing an increase in shark population, which he described as a "good thing," because it indicates the fish population is growing, too.
In case you find yourself near a shark, White urges you to not cause a stir and splash at it. Instead, calmly exit the water.
Experts also suggest beachgoers to not wear shiny objects and jewelry, as sharks could perceive the the jewelry as scales on a fish. Also, one should avoid wearing bright and high-contrast clothing.
Lastly, do not get in the water with an open wound.