Are Blacktip Sharks Aggressive To Humans?

Blacktip shark

There is a wide range of reasons why people want to become scuba divers. One of these reasons is that it gives divers the chance to see what lives underwater and sharks tend to be a big draw. And the blacktip sharks are one that divers may encounter. So are blacktip sharks aggressive to humans?

Blacktip sharks are predators and went they are around food they can become aggressive. They have a few instances of them attacking humans or trying to take a bit out of a human but these have been either mistaken identity or they were provoked. Generally, they do not pose a serious threat to humans but you need to be careful around them as they are still wild animals.

In today’s post, we will go through in more detail are blacktip sharks aggressive to humans, so let’s get started!

Read more on common questions asked by divers

Are Blacktip Sharks Aggressive?

Blacktip sharks are considered timid but there can be excitable generally, they don’t usually pose a threat to humans.

While blacktip sharks are not aggressive they typically keep their distance from humans except they might come close to investigate if there is a scuba diver in their area.

When they are around food they can become aggressive. Their size and speed do need to be respected so safer to keep your distance.

You should remember that they are wild animals and predators so you should keep your distance from them. As most blacktip sharks’ attacks on humans are usually mistaken identity or they have been provoked.

sharks in water

Do Black Tips Sharks Bite?

Blacktip sharks generally keep their distance from humans but they might investigate if there is a scuba driver in the area. Attacks or bites from blacktip sharks have generally been mistaken identity but where they have intentionally attacked they have been provoked.

Where Are Blacktip Sharks Commonly Found?

Blacktip sharks are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters. You will find them in the Atlantic ocean in places such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Canary Islands.

Is It Safe To Swim With Blacktip Sharks?

In general, blacktip sharks are reasonably safe to swim with. But you should keep your distance from them as they are still wild animals and they are still predators.

sharks in the water

Are Blacktip Sharks Endangered?

Due to overfishing and loss of habitat, they are considered near threatened with extinction.

What So Blacktip Sharks Eat?

Typically, blacktip sharks eat small fish like sardines, catfish, groupers, stingrays, squids, crustaceans, and porcupine fish. They are also known to eat other sharks.

Tips To Avoid A Shark Attack​

There are a number of tips to avoid a shark attack other than not going into the sea. These are as follows.

  • If you see a shark, stay calm and then calmly paddle away avoiding any jerky, splashing motions and leave the water. And warn others.
  • Do not bleed in the water as this will attract the sharks to you. If you have a cut get out.
  • Do not enter the water in places where sharks are known to be.
  • You should wear dark colors when scuba diving, surfing, or swimming as the bright colors may attract sharks.
  • You should avoid swimming at night since you will not see the shark but it will see you.
  • Avoid bringing any shiny accessories as they might be mistaken as shiny fish scales.

Wrapping Up

Finally, simply blacktip sharks are predators and went they are around food they can become aggressive. They have a few instances of them attacking humans or trying to take a bit out of a human. Generally, they do not pose a serious threat to humans but you need to be careful around them as they are still wild animals.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on is blacktip sharks aggressive to humans has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

Did you enjoy this post? Then don’t forget to pin it!

Are Blacktip Sharks Aggressive

Recommended Posts