Sharks are misunderstood predators, and new research suggests that many shark bites may be driven by survival instinct rather than aggression.
The Truth Behind Shark Attacks: Not All Bites Are Intentional
Sharks are often portrayed in the media as dangerous and aggressive killers. However, scientific data tells a different story. On average, only about 100 shark bites occur globally each year, and just around 10 of those are fatal. Most sharks prefer to avoid humans and typically only bite under certain circumstances.
Shark Bites as Self-Defense: A New Perspective
According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Conservation Science, an international team of researchers has discovered that some shark bites are likely motivated by self-defense, not predation or territorial aggression.
“We show that defensive bites by sharks on humans—a reaction to initial human aggression—are a reality,” said lead researcher Dr. Eric Clua from Université PSL. “These bites reflect a survival instinct rather than a planned attack, and we should rethink how responsibility is assigned in such incidents.”
What Triggers Defensive Shark Bites?
Self-defense bites usually occur when sharks feel threatened by human actions. These may include:
- Spearfishing near sharks
- Attempting to grab or touch a shark
- Entering a shark’s territory
Such bites often happen without warning and typically result in minor, non-lethal injuries. Interestingly, this type of defensive response is also seen in other wild animals like bears or large birds such as cassowaries.
Dr. Clua notes that even bold, territorial species like the gray reef shark may bite in defense if they perceive human behavior as a threat—even if no harm was intended.
Shark Behavior: Cautious, Not Vengeful
Despite popular belief, sharks are generally cautious around humans. “They are not calculating revenge,” said Dr. Clua. “Their actions are pragmatic and rooted in survival.” When they do bite, the force may appear disproportionate due to the instinctive nature of their reaction.
This disproportional response mirrors defensive behavior in humans and other animals, where survival instinct can override logic.
Global Data Supports the Theory
The research team analyzed shark bite records from the Global Shark Attack File, which has documented nearly 7,000 incidents since 1863. By focusing on cases classified as “provoked,” they identified 322 bites that could likely be categorized as self-defense.
This represents approximately 5% of all documented shark bites—closely aligning with findings from French Polynesia, where 4 out of 74 recorded bites (from 2009–2023) were likely defensive.
How to Stay Safe Around Sharks
To reduce the risk of being bitten by a shark:
- Avoid spearfishing or making sudden movements near sharks.
- Never attempt to touch or rescue a shark, even if it appears to be in distress.
- Respect the animal’s space and avoid interactions in the wild.
“Do not interact physically with a shark, even if it looks harmless,” warned Dr. Clua. “It may interpret your actions as a threat and react with a bite.”
Final Thoughts: Respect, Don’t Fear, Sharks
Sharks are powerful, wild animals that deserve our respect—not fear. Understanding that some shark bites may be defensive reactions helps shift the narrative from blame to awareness. By avoiding threatening behaviors and respecting marine life, we can coexist more safely with these majestic predators.
Citation:
The Talion Law ‘Tooth for a Tooth’: Self-Defense as a Motivation for Shark Bites on Human Aggressors. Frontiers in Conservation Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2025.1562502