Florida Leads the Nation in Shark Attacks

Florida is once again the No. 1 state in America for unprovoked shark attacks with 28 bites on record in 2014.

That’s according to a new report released by the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The University of Florida-affiliated organization keeps a running log of all shark attacks around the world. Its data dates back to 1882 and includes the number of “unprovoked attacks” logged annually.

The agency released its 2014 Worldwide Shark Attack report Wednesday, revealing that the Sunshine State witnessed the lion’s share of bites in 2014 with 54 percent of all recorded American attacks – including those from Hawaii. The total number of 28 bites topped the 2013 number of 23.

Volusia County led the state with 10 documented bites while Brevard trailed right behind at eight. Other counties with confirmed attacks include Broward and Palm Beach, each with two, and Duval, Gulf, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Okaloosa each with one. There were no recorded shark attacks in the Tampa Bay area in 2014.

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While the number of bites is up, researchers say there were no fatalities in 2014. The last shark-attributed fatality on record in Florida dates back to 2010.

Florida, researchers noted in their report summary, has had the most unprovoked shark attacks in the United States for decades.

Why such high numbers?

“The higher rate of encounters is attributable to high aquatic recreational utilization of the county’s long and attractive beaches and waters by both Florida residents and tourists, especially surfers, and to the rich nature of its marine fauna,” the report concludes.

Other states with unprovoked attacks included Hawaii with seven, South Carolina with five, North Carolina and California with four each, and Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas each with one.

Worldwide there were only three fatalities in 2014. Two occurred in Australia and one in South Africa.

A total of 72 incidents were logged worldwide in 2014.

While the Tampa Bay area has avoided shark bites as of late, it’s not always been so lucky. Here is the breakdown of recorded attacks in the Bay area between 1882 and 2013:

• Sarasota – 7 attacks, none fatal
• Manatee – 4 attacks, none fatal
• Pinellas – 12 attacks, two fatal
• Hillsborough – 0 attacks
• Pasco – 0 attacks

To check out the report, visit the International Shark Attack File’s website.

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