The white shark, more commonly referred to as the
"Great White", has been reported to be involved
in more attacks on humans than any other shark.
Fossil remains suggest the Great White dates back to the
early Eocene eras, which lasted from about 36 to 56 million years ago
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Mature males reach an average size of 10.5 feet while females can average 14 feet. Active during daytime hours, great whites feed
on marine animals-they don't like sea birds or sea otters particularly.
Its thought that they attack humans when they mistake diver and surfer silhouettes in the water during approaching from below the surface of the water. An alternative theory has also been suggested that Great Whites attack unfamiliar objects to test their potential as food. If true,that would help explain their involvement over the years in myriad hit and run attacks near beaches.
Not very much is known about the size of the Great White's total population. Described as a slow-growing animal with low fertility rates, the Great White is considered at risk of overfishing.
According to the International shark attack file, the tiger shark ranks No. 2 behind the white shark in the number of reported attacks on humans. The shark-monitoring group notes that the animal's "large size and voraciousness" qualify it as a formidable ocean predator. Surfers and swimmers need to know that the tiger sharks tend to be both curious and agressive when they spot humans in the water.
Powerful, fast, and agressive, the Shortfin Mako has been blamed for many reported shark attacks on humans. In more than a few cases, also blame human error as fisherman have been known to get injured after dragging hooked makos into their boats.
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The shortfin mako is believed to be the fastest of any shark, able to swim up to 20 miles per hour. Prior to attacks, the sharks tend to swim in figure eight patterns and approach their prey with mouths open. The popularity of Mako meat in shark fin soup has reduced their populations; The World Conservation Union has listed the Shortfin Mako as "neart threatened".
