Look at this map of shark attacks reported in the United States between 1670 and 2000. Which states have had the highest numbers of shark attacks?

Florida and California are very popular places to swim and to take beach vacations. Knowing this, why might these two states have had the highest numbers of shark attacks?

Just what is it that scares us so?

John Singleton Copley, Watson and the Shark, 1778. National Gallery of Art, Ferdinand Lammot Belin Fund 1963.6.1

John Singleton Copley's Watson and the Shark was inspired by an event that took place in Havana, Cuba, in 1749. Fourteen-year-old Brook Watson, an orphan serving as a crew member on a trading ship, was attacked by a shark while swimming alone in the harbor. His shipmates, who had been waiting on board to escort their captain ashore, launched a valiant rescue effort.

What do you think you know? Which of these "FACTS" are TRUE.. which are FALSE?

Most sharks are harmful to people.
Sharks must roll over on their sides to bite.

Sharks eat continuously.
Sharks prefer human blood.

Sharks are not discriminating eaters and scavenge the sea.

Whale sharks, the largest species of sharks, are voracious predators.
The great white shark is a common, abundant species found off most beaches visited by humans.

Sharks are not found in freshwater.

All sharks have to swim constantly.
Sharks have poor vision.
Sharks are hard to kill.
Most sharks cruise at high speed when they swim.

Sharks have peanut-sized brains and are incapable of learning.

Shark meat is poisonous to people.
All sharks have to swim constantly.
Sharks are trash fish.
The biggest enemy to sharks is man.

CHECK HERE

Read the article in The St. Pete Times ....