Friday, June 5, 2009

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North America's Top Shark-Attack Beaches

Dip a toe, but swim at your own risk

By Stephen Regenold

North America is home to dozens of beaches where swimmers and sharks intermix, even though the humans may never know it. According to George Burgess, an ichthyologist at the University of Florida who maintains a database called the International Shark Attack File. When the rare attack happens it's usually a predatory mistake. "In the surf zone, where many attacks happen, sharks need to make quick decisions," he said. "Humans on surfboards—hands splashing, feet kicking — can trigger a shark to think there's trouble or a wounded animal, and it looks like an easy meal."


But according to Laleh Mohajerani, executive director of the shark conservation organization Iemanya Oceanica, sharks are not looking to interfere with humans in the water. Our shark-attack fears are irrational, she said. "You are more likely to be hit by lightning."


In Pictures: More of North America's Top Shark-Attack Beaches


Indeed, there's no arguing the numbers. Of the millions of people who enter the ocean each year, almost none are touched.


But for most people, fiery emotions override even the coldest numbers. A single scary story — be it on the news or in an effects-heavy Hollywood production — will destroy the efforts of hundreds of scientists trying to communicate on research and logic.

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