Florida is named the shark attack capital of the world

Florida — specifically Volusia County — is the shark capital of the world. 

The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File found the most unprovoked shark attacks in the world in the Sunshine State, specifically in Volusia County, where there have been 351 attacks since 1882. 

Brevard County follows with 158 attacks, then Palm Beach with 83. 

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Unprovoked bites “are defined as incidents in which a bite on a live human occurs in the shark’s natural habitat with no human provocation of the shark,” according to the Florida Museum. 

Most shark attacks have happened in September since 1926, according to the report.

July, August and October are also among the most common months for attacks in Florida to occur. 

In 2023, there were 36 confirmed unprovoked attacks in the U.S., down from the 41 recorded in 2022, according to the report. 

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Australia had the second-most attacks in the world last year with 15. 

In the U.S., after Florida, which had 16 total shark bites recorded, was Hawaii, which had eight unprovoked bites in 2023. 

New York had four, North Carolina had three, California and South Carolina both had two and New Jersey had one.

To stay safe from sharks, follow tips such as staying with a buddy at all times while in the water and staying close to shore.  (Brianna Soukup/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Most of those who fell victim to a shark bite last year were either surfing or participating in board sports, according to the new report. 

Surfing/board sports made up 42% of the attacks in 2023. 

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After that, it was swimming/wading at 39% and snorkeling/free-diving at 13%. Six percent of attacks were tallied as “other.” 

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Upon entering the water, especially in places known to have higher rates of shark attacks, there are several safety precautions you should take to help reduce your risk. 

Most beachgoers who fell victim to a shark attack last year were either surfing or participating in board sports, according to the new report.  (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)

Here are some safety measures outlined by the Florida Museum of National History. 

• Swim with a buddy
• Don’t stray too far from shore
• Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
• Don’t swim in areas filled with schools of fish or where people are fishing
• Avoid wearing shiny jewelry
• Avoid excess splashing

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