A recent study conducted by scientists from Université PSL has revealed that certain shark bites could stem from “survival instincts” rather than being intentional attacks. The research, which analysed 74 shark bite cases in French Polynesia between 2009 and 2023, determined that four of these incidents were acts of self-defence in response to perceived human threats during activities such as spear fishing or attempts to grab the shark.
Dr Eric Clua, the lead author of the study, emphasised that these bites should be viewed through the lens of instinctual behaviour, arguing that the narrative around shark attacks often misplaces responsibility. He stated, “These bites are simply a manifestation of survival instinct, and the responsibility for the incident needs to be reversed.”
The Taronga Conservation Society of Australia has noted an average of 20 shark-related incidents causing injuries each year over the last decade. The study suggests that self-defensive biting is among various reasons why sharks might engage with humans, including threats to their territory or competition for resources, as well as reflexive actions that may occur during interactions.
Dr Clua further highlighted a surprising notion: sharks tend to be cautious around humans, often exhibiting fear. This contradicts the typical perception of sharks as aggressive predators. He mentioned that certain coastal species, like the grey reef shark, can be particularly territorial and may come into contact with humans, increasing the risk of bite incidents.
To mitigate the odds of an encounter leading to a bite, researchers advise avoiding any actions that could be perceived as aggressive. This includes refraining from physically intervening with sharks, especially those that may appear stranded or in distress. Dr Clua stressed, “Do not interact physically with a shark, even if it appears harmless or is in distress. It may at any moment consider this to be an aggression and react accordingly.”
Overall, the findings shed light on the complex behaviour of sharks and urge a reconsideration of how human-shark interactions are interpreted. By understanding the motivations behind shark bites, there is potential for better strategies to avoid incidents while promoting the safety of both humans and sharks in shared aquatic environments.