Do you know what attracts sharks?
Considerable research has been devoted to finding out what attracts sharks and causes them to attack. Results are mostly inconclusive, but some general principles have been advanced:
- Sound: Sound, rather than sight or smell, seems to be a shark's primary cue for moving into an area. Certain types of irregular sounds—like those made by a swimmer in trouble or a damaged fish—seem to attract sharks from great distances.
- Color: Some scientific experiments indicate that sharks can distinguish light colors from dark, and that they may even be able to distinguish colors. Yellow, white, and silver seem to attract sharks. Many divers think that clothing, fins, and tanks should be painted in dull colors to avoid shark attacks.
- Blood: Though blood itself may not attract sharks, its presence combined with other unusual factors will excite the animals and make them more prone to attack.
Do you know which sharks are most dangerous?
The most dangerous species in order of documented attack records are:
- Great white shark.
- Bull shark
- Tiger shark.
- Grey nurse shark.
- Lemon shark.
- Blue shark.
- Sand tiger shark.
Want to know more about this amazing predator?
Check OUT this RESOURCE produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and discover facts and more about one of the ocean’s top predators—sharks.
Learn more about:
- their critical role in maintaining the marine ecosystem
- NOAA’s efforts to research and conserve shark populations
You and your students can dive (virtually!) into the Hawaiian ecosystem to swim alongside whitetip reef sharks. You can also explore the Blue: 360° Hawaiian Adventure (virtual dive and accompanying lesson plan introducing students to three different species from the Hawaiian Islands, their importance to Native Hawaiian culture, and the conservation measures in place for their protection)
Happy Teaching!