Are Leopard Sharks Dangerous To Humans?

One of the reasons people get started with scuba diving is that it gives divers the chance to see what lives underwater. Sharks are always popular and are something people want to see when scuba diving. Leopard sharks are not as popular or as well known as the Great White shark but are leopard sharks dangerous to humans?

Leopard sharks pose no real danger to humans they actually are passive and their diet is mainly shellfish, crabs, shrimp, and fish eggs. While there have been no reported fatal attacks on humans by leopard sharks, scuba divers do need to be cautious around leopard sharks as these are still wild animals.

In today’s post, we will go through in more detail are leopard sharks dangerous, so let’s get started!

What Do Leopard Sharks Look Like?

Leopard sharks are long slender sharks that can grow up to 6 ft (1.83 m). They can be identified from the unique patterns on their back. These patterns are similar to that of the patterns on a leopard tiger.

The patterns on the leopard shark are beige or silvery, with a pattern of dark brown spots.

Where Do Leopard Sharks Live?

Leopard sharks generally live in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon down to Mexico, which includes the Gulf of California.

Are Leopard Sharks Dangerous?

Leopard sharks pose no real danger to humans. They actually are passive and their diet mainly consists of shellfish, crabs, shrimp, squid, and fish eggs. While there have been no reported fatal attacks on humans by leopard sharks, divers do need to be cautious around leopard sharks as these are still wild animals.

Do Leopard Sharks Attack Humans?

Leopard sharks pose no real threat to humans as a result there have been no reported fatal attacks on humans by leopard sharks.

There have been a few incidents reported with leopard sharks but these incidents were minor with no significant damage caused or there was no bite.

What Threats Do Leopard Sharks Face?

At present leopard sharks are currently classified as a species of ‘Least Concern’. Leopard sharks most of their day in the shallows such as bays and estuaries and at night they go into deeper waters. Because they live close to shore they are caught by recreational anglers or fishermen.

As well as that not only leopard sharks but all sharks as facing the same issue that they are poached for their fins, their habitats and food sources are shrinking because of humans.

Can You Touch Leopard Sharks?

As a general rule of thumb, you should never touch them. There are still wild animals. They might not pose any real danger to humans but if they feel threatened they will react. Leopard sharks do have teeth and will bite if they feel scared or threatened.

Is Leopard Shark Safe To Eat?

Sharks generally are high in mercury, this also applies to leopard sharks. It is advised not to eat sharks regularly because of mercury.

What Shark Is Most Aggressive?

There are over 500 species of sharks but there are only a small few that are very aggressive and have no problem attacking a human. These sharks account for most human fatalities. These are as follows.

Great White Shark.
Tiger Sharks.
Bull Sharks.

Wrapping Up

Finally, leopard sharks pose no real danger to humans they actually are passive and their diet is mainly crabs, fish eggs and shrimp. Scuba divers do need to be cautious around leopard sharks as these are still wild animals.

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