When you hear about shark attacks and then hear about scuba divers going into water that\u2019s known to be inhabited by sharks, you can\u2019t help but wonder, \u201cWhy do sharks not attack scuba divers?\u201d<\/p>\n
You may think that sharks do attack scuba divers. After all, these are the instances we hear about. However, that\u2019s unfair for sharks.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll clear the stigma around the water\u2019s most feared apex predators, so keep on reading.<\/p>\n
Going back to the basics, there\u2019s a natural ecological system that creatures follow by default. It\u2019s a trophic pyramid that includes what a creature feeds on and its possible predators.<\/p>\n
Since sharks live in aquatic ecosystems<\/a>, their main dishes are aquatic animals. So, it\u2019s safe to say that humans are definitely not on their menu.<\/p>\n Not to mention, a shark wouldn\u2019t opt for a dinner that\u2019s wrapped in neoprene. They prefer feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates, while large sharks may opt for turtles, small sea lions, and seals.<\/p>\n So, to cut things short, the odds of a shark attacking a human with the intention of preying on them are close to none.<\/p>\n Add to that; sharks tend to avoid human contact. Rightfully so, as humans kill around 100 million sharks every year, whereas sharks cause around ten human deaths per year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Of all the humans that jump into the water with sharks, scuba divers are the least at risk of a sudden attack.<\/p>\n Most victims of shark attacks<\/a> were doing board sports or surfing (51%), followed by swimming (39%), then body surfing or horseplay (6%), and finally, free-diving or snorkeling (4%).<\/p>\n So, as a scuba diver, you\u2019re least likely to be attacked by a shark when you\u2019re enjoying your dive<\/a> sessions.<\/p>\n The main reason behind instances of shark attacks is confusion. The shark mistakes the swimmer or the surfer for their own prey, like small sea lions or seals.<\/p>\n This is primarily because swimmers and surfers spend most of their time on the surface of the water \u2014much like a shark\u2019s natural prey.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why you\u2019ll often find sharks taking a bite at a person and then running away when they realize their mistake.<\/p>\n On the other hand, a shark will attack a human if it feels threatened<\/a> by it, be it a swimmer, surfer, or diver.<\/p>\n Also, if the human happens to be around the shark\u2019s prey during a feeding frenzy, there\u2019s a high chance that they might get attacked by mistake.<\/p>\n Now that the main triggers are out of the way, let\u2019s look at how you can stay safe from sharks when you\u2019re scuba diving:<\/p>\n It\u2019s best if you steer clear from both dusk and dawn, as these times are when sharks come out to feed.<\/p>\n If you have a professional accompanying you, it\u2019s safe to dive during those times if you\u2019re curious and want to watch sharks when they\u2019re most active.<\/p>\n Diving in clear water helps you keep everything visible, thus, eliminating any chances of accidental encounters with a praying shark that\u2019s hiding in the mud.<\/p>\n Not to mention, some shark species, like bull sharks, like to hunt in shallow and murky waters.<\/p>\nAre There Instances of Sharks Attacking Scuba Divers?<\/h3>\n
Why Do Sharks Attack Surfers and Swimmers?<\/h3>\n
How to Stay Safe From a Shark Attack While Scuba Diving?<\/h3>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time Your Diving Sessions<\/h4>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dive in the Clear<\/h4>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dive in the Depth<\/h4>\n