Known as the shark bite capital of the world, Volusia County, nestled in the heart of Florida’s coastline, has become the epicenter for shark attacks. Since 1882, 351 attacks have occurred, 150 more than anywhere in the world.
The harrowing label “shark bite capital of the world” once belonged to France’s Reunion Island. But, after banning all water activities, they transformed their once-populated beaches into empty stretches of sand, prioritizing safety over tourism. Should Volusia County consider doing the same?
When Did the Attacks take place?
Within the space of six days, spanning from July 4 – July 10, four people were attacked. Fortunately, none were fatal, but all were hospitalized.
Where in Volusia County?
Two bites were recorded on New Smyrna Beach, one at Ponce Inlet, and the most recent event took place on Daytona Beach – each is within a few kilometers of the other.
Victim 1: Ohio Tourist Bitten While Playing Football
On July 4, a 21-year-old man from Ohio, Connor Baker, was playing football in knee-deep water at New Smyrna Beach when he suddenly felt something stab the top and bottom of his foot. “My first instinct was I yanked my foot out, and then just kind of took off,” Baker told FOX 35.
He was rushed to a local hospital for surgery, where it was discovered that four of his tendons had been ruptured. Baker has since returned to Ohio and is expected to recover fully in six to eight weeks. “I feel lucky that I should be able to be back to normal at some point,” he said.
Victim 2: Sarasota Man Bitten While Wading
The following day, another visitor was bitten by a shark at New Smyrna Beach. A 26-year-old man from Sarasota was wading in an inner tube in five-feet-deep water when he was bitten on his left foot. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Victim 3: Lifeguard Trainee Attacked During Drill
On July 8, a 14-year-old boy participating in a lifeguard training camp in Ponce Inlet was bitten by a shark on his calf. Dempsey Manhart initially thought he had collided with another person during the drill but soon realized it was a shark. “I dove onto it, and I hit the shark,” Manhart recounted. “I hit it with my hands, and then I stood up, and it spun around and was like underneath my legs. And I think it bit me then when it was wrapped around my feet.” Manhart required 14 stitches but is otherwise fine and remains undeterred from swimming. “I think that it’s something really rare that can happen. And if it’s happened once, I doubt it’s going to happen again,” he said.
Victim 4: Missouri Tourist Bitten in Knee-Deep Water
On July 10, a 14-year-old tourist from Missouri was bitten by a shark on his left foot while swimming in knee-deep water in Daytona Beach Shores. He was also transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Volusia County Beach Safety.
Types of Sharks that Can Cause Fatal Blows
Several apex predators roam the oceans; let’s take a look at which one can cause the most harm:
Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is one of the most feared predators in the ocean. Known for its powerful jaws and sharp teeth, it can grow up to 20 feet long. This shark is responsible for the most unprovoked attacks on humans.
Bull Shark
Bull Sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and ability to thrive in both salt and freshwater. They are often found in shallow, murky waters, making them particularly dangerous to swimmers.
Tiger Shark
Tiger Sharks are notorious for their indiscriminate eating habits. They can grow up to 16 feet long and have a distinctive pattern of dark stripes on their bodies. They are known to attack humans unprovoked.
Characteristics of Dangerous Sharks
- Great White Shark: Known for its size and power, it has a torpedo-shaped body and a large mouth filled with serrated teeth.
- Bull Shark: Stout body with a blunt, rounded snout. They are known to be highly territorial.
- Tiger Shark: Recognizable by the dark vertical stripes on its body and its broad, flat head.
How to Avoid Shark Attacks
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night: Sharks are most active during these times.
- Stay in groups: Sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals.
- Avoid areas with seals: Sharks’ primary prey are seals, so their presence can attract sharks.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding: Sharks can detect blood from miles away.
Best Times to Swim
- Mid-morning to late afternoon: These are generally safer times when sharks are less active.
- Clear, sunny days: Visibility is better, reducing the chance of surprising a shark.
Advances in Shark Detection Technology
Recent technological advancements have led to the development of drones and underwater sensors that can detect the presence of sharks, providing an additional layer of safety for swimmers.
Shark Conservation Efforts
Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks are essential to ocean ecosystems. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the balance of marine life and protecting shark populations from decline.
- Florida City Nominated to Shark-Bite Capital of the World.
- 17 Rare Sharks Some of Which You Might Not Have Heard of Before
- Top 5 Largest Great White Sharks Ever Recorded
Please send any feedback to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Intelligent Orcas Orchestrate a Three-Seal Hunt - January 13, 2025
- The Five Fastest Animals in The World - January 13, 2025
- Exploring the Highest Flyers in the Animal Kingdom - January 13, 2025