Did you ever wonder why sharks attacks on scuba divers are extremely rare and why is that since we see a lot of Instagram pictures with divers with sharks? And you have to wonder why don’t the sharks not attack the divers.
Sharks generally are considered aggressive, like the Great White, Tiger sharks, or even the Hammerhead sharks. There are no single shark species that is known as a men eater or there have been no reports of attacks on divers on a regular basis by any particular species of shark.
Sharks like most predators will try to eat their favorite food and humans are not their favorite food.
In today’s post, we will go through why do sharks not attack scuba divers in more detail, so let’s get started!
Read more on common questions
Why Don’t Sharks Attack Scuba Divers?
There are a number of reasons why sharks don’t attack divers regularly, there are simple and straightforward reasons. Here are the reasons why sharks don’t attack divers.
Large Fish Eat Smaller Fish
In the sea generally, large fish eat the smaller ones. If a large fish tries to eat another large fish or fish close enough in size there is a high risk of getting injured in the fight.
Sharks Avoid Humans
Most shark species choose to feed on smaller fish. Some go for larger species to eat turtles, seals, or even sea lions.
What Does Cause A Shark To Attack Humans?
Yes, sharks do attack humans and scuba divers. These attacks are rare but there are a number of reasons a shark will attack. There are as follows.
Mistaken Identity
Most shark attacks are mistaken identity, for example, a shark might mistake a surfer for a turtle and attack. Sharks don’t really have the best of eyesight.
Sharks don’t see humans and scuba divers as a, particularly appetizing meal.
They Are Curious
Out of curiosity when the shark sees something a little different, its first instinct is it must take a bite. Their method of investigating things is maybe having a bite.
Too Much Splashing In The Water
In the water, if you make too much noise, splashing and erratic movement as sharks are attracted to feed on animals in distress at the surface. Splashing and erratic movement make you look like prey.
At the end of the dive, avoid spending unnecessary time surface swimming and board the boat directly.
They Smell Blood
Sharks can smell blood and taste blood from up to around a quarter of a mile away. Don’t enter the water if bleeding especially if there are sharks in the area.
Diving In Low Visibility Waters
Avoid diving in waters with low visibility as it increases the chance of a shark mistaking you for something it normally eats.
Spearfishing Around Sharks
Spearfishing, where sharks are in that area, is a bad idea. Mainly because the blood coming out of the fish you are catching will attract sharks.
Sharks can smell blood from far away even if they are not in the area.
What Do You Do If You Encounter A Shark While Scuba Diving?
If you encounter a shark while diving there are tips that will help to make it a smooth encounter.
Stay Calm
Sharks are naturally curious, they sometimes come in to see what divers are doing and then leave. It’s actually a rare opportunity to see one.
If you spot a shark and it stays in an area. Just remain alert and slowly move out of the area, as close to the bottom.
Maintain Your Distance
Most sharks have no interest in divers and want nothing to do with divers. Sharks like the leopard sharks and horn sharks lie on the bottom of the sea and can be closely approached.
Divers that mess with sharks like touching, grabbing, or harassing a shark are often bitten. This is more a defensive action not aggressive. Simply, respect them and they will respect you.
Swim Towards The Shark
The sharks are smart and know that prey does not swim towards them, so it will turn away. Also, you can not outswim a shark. If a shark is swimming around they are just curious. They are not there to attack.
If you hold still and face them they will go away after close inspection and once they realize that you are human. After that, try and swim away slowly and as close to the bottom as your dive buddy.
If a shark remains curious, and you are growing concerned for some reason then try and stay close to your dive buddy and swim toward it together.
Look Big
Generally, large fish eat the smaller ones. If a shark persists been curious then you and your dive buddy can get closer together.
Consider the sharks have poor eyesight, this will make you look bigger
Wrapping Up
Finally, shacks attacks on scuba divers are extremely rare. Most attacks by sharks are mistaken identity. If you encounter a shark remember to maintain your distance and stay calm. They may be curious about you but once their curiosity is satisfied they will generally swim off.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on why do sharks not attack scuba divers has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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