
Shark Attack - Shark Attacks Decline Globally, but US Remains Hotspot
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About this listen
Hawaii, North Carolina, and California follow Florida in the number of reported encounters. In 2025, as of late May, three shark attack bites have been documented in the United States. These include a single unprovoked, non-fatal attack in Florida and a provoked incident in Hawaii involving a shark tour employee on the north shore of Oahu. The Hawaii incident was attributed to the diver being caught in a bait ball used to attract sharks for tourists, and the employee’s arm was saved after prompt medical intervention. North Carolina also reported one bite but without loss of life. Meanwhile, Australia continues to be a global hotspot outside the U.S., with nine reported attacks so far this year, including three fatalities.
Provoked attacks, such as those resulting from spearfishing or attempts to interact with sharks for photographs, also account for several recent cases worldwide. One particularly severe case occurred in the Turks and Caicos Islands where a Canadian tourist lost both hands trying to photograph a shark in shallow water. Another fatal attack took place in New Caledonia when a man spearfishing near Kendek Islet was killed by a shark, marking the region’s first fatal incident since 2023.
Authorities are responding to these incidents with stepped-up safety protocols. Beach warning systems have become more common, with electronic signage and flags alerting swimmers to high-risk conditions or shark sightings. Many coastal areas are also increasing the use of patrol boats and aerial drones to monitor for sharks, especially in known hotspots like Florida’s east coast. Education remains key, with officials emphasizing the need for beachgoers to stay updated on local warnings and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
Emerging patterns point to environmental changes and human activity bringing sharks closer to shore. Experts cite habitat disruption, coastal development, and climate change as contributing factors that draw sharks into shallower waters, increasing the likelihood of human encounters. Still, experts agree that the risk of attack remains extremely low, and most encounters are not fatal. The focus continues to shift toward coexistence and increased public awareness, aiming to ensure that both sharks and humans can safely share the ocean.
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