Busting 5 Common Shark Myths

Sharks are some of the most misunderstood creatures in the ocean. Let's take a look at some popular shark myths and bust them wide open with the truth!

MYTH 1 – Sharks are always hungry

FACT – Not true! Sharks don’t always feel like eating. Some sharks can go for weeks without eating because they are in what scientists call a "dormant feeding cycle." Sharks' eating habits can change based on things like the season or how old they are. So no, sharks aren’t always hunting for their next meal!

MYTH 2 – Sharks want to eat humans

FACT – Only a few of the 400+ species of sharks have ever bitten a human. Sharks have been around millions of years before humans, so they don’t see us as food. They like to eat smaller fish, squid, and sometimes seals or sea lions. Humans don’t normally show up on a shark’s menu!

MYTH 3 – Sharks can smell human blood

FACT – Sharks do have a great sense of smell, but they’re not on the lookout for human blood. They can smell tiny amounts of blood in the water, but that’s usually because they’re looking for injured fish or other marine animals. Most sharks would much rather munch on fish or squid than humans!

MYTH 4 – Sharks have no personality

FACT – Actually, sharks are a lot like us! They each have their own "sharkality" (personality). Some sharks are curious and like to check out divers, while others are more shy. Some sharks like to be the leaders in their group, while others are more relaxed. Just like people, sharks have different ways of behaving!

MYTH 5 – Sharks have no predators

FACT – Sharks may be at the top of the food chain, but they have predators too! Orcas (killer whales) are known to attack Great White Sharks, and some larger sharks will eat smaller sharks. Sadly, humans are the biggest threat to sharks because of things like overfishing and destroying their habitats. It’s up to us to protect these amazing creatures!