Most of the time shark bites are a rare occurrence, but they do happen. Each year, some states see more unprovoked shark bites than others. Here, we look at the states with the most unprovoked shark bites in 2023, ranked from the lowest to the highest number.
New Jersey
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New Jersey had one unprovoked shark bite in 2023. There were no fatal attacks. Since records began in 1837, New Jersey has had 16 unprovoked shark attacks. The state’s coastline is long and many people swim there every summer.
South Carolina
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South Carolina had two unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There were no fatal attacks. The state has had 118 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. South Carolina’s warm waters and active beachgoers contribute to these numbers.
California
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California had two unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There was one fatal attack. California has had 138 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The state’s large population and many surfers make shark encounters more likely.
North Carolina
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North Carolina had three unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There were no fatal attacks. Since 1837, North Carolina has seen 80 unprovoked shark attacks. The state’s warm waters attract many tourists and swimmers each year.
New York
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New York had four unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There were no fatal attacks. The state has had 24 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. New York’s beaches are popular, especially during the summer months.
Hawaii
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Hawaii had eight unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There was one fatal attack. Hawaii has had 195 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The clear, warm waters of Hawaii are home to many marine animals, including sharks.
Florida
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Florida had sixteen unprovoked shark bites in 2023. There were luckily no fatal attacks. Since 1837, Florida has had 928 unprovoked shark attacks. Evidently this is the highest in the United States. The state’s extensive coastline and popularity with tourists contribute to the high number of incidents.
Alabama
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Fortunately Alabama had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had 10 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Alabama’s Gulf Coast is less frequented by sharks compared to other states, but caution is still advised.
Connecticut
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Connecticut had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had only one unprovoked shark attack since 1837. Evidently this low number is due to the colder waters and less shark activity in the region.
Delaware
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Delaware had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. But the state has had five unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Delaware’s beaches are busy in the summer, but shark encounters remain infrequent.
Georgia
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Georgia had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had 17 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Georgia’s coastline, while popular, sees fewer sharks compared to its neighboring states.
Louisiana
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Louisiana had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had five unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The muddy waters of Louisiana’s coast are less attractive to sharks and swimmers alike.
Maine
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Maine had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had two unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The cold waters of Maine’s coast contribute to the low number of shark encounters.
Maryland
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Maryland had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. But the state has had two unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Maryland’s waters are not typical shark habitats, leading to fewer incidents.
Massachusetts
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Massachusetts had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had six unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The state’s cooler waters and less frequent beach activity reduce the chance of shark encounters.
Mississippi
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Mississippi had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had two unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The warm, shallow waters of Mississippi’s coast are less likely to host large sharks.
Oregon
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Oregon had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had 29 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Oregon’s cold waters see fewer swimmers, contributing to fewer shark incidents.
Rhode Island
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Rhode Island had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had two unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Rhode Island’s coastal waters are cooler, and fewer people swim there.
Texas
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Texas had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had 45 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The Gulf Coast sees many swimmers, but incidents remain infrequent.
Virginia
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Virginia had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had five unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. Virginia’s coastline is long, but shark encounters are rare.
Washington
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Washington had no unprovoked shark bites in 2023. The state has had two unprovoked shark attacks since 1837. The colder waters of Washington’s coast see less shark activity and fewer swimmers.
Wrapping Up
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Although they are uncommon, shark bites are more frequent in some states than others. Evidently the state with the most unprovoked shark bites is Florida, followed by Hawaii and New York. Moreover to lessen the chance of encountering sharks, beachgoers should always exercise caution and awareness of their surroundings.
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