As ‘Jaws’ celebrates 50 years, latest shark assaults gasoline age-old fears, plus sensible summer time ideas

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With Friday marking the fiftieth anniversary of the enduring movie "Jaws," many Individuals are paying tribute to sharks at the same time as stories of latest assaults seize headlines.

On Tuesday, a swimmer was bitten on the leg whereas in South Carolina, in response to Hilton Head Fireplace and Rescue.

A nine-year-old lady was additionally just lately bitten whereas snorkeling off Boca Grande, Florida.

DAREDEVIL TO SWIM SHARK-FILLED WATERS IN CELEBRATION OF 'JAWS' 50TH ANNIVERSARY

There have been 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 28 going down within the U.S., in response to the Florida Museum of Pure Historical past’s Worldwide Shark Assault File (ISAF).

Florida seashores have logged the very best variety of shark assaults, with 942 unprovoked bites since 1837.

Of all coastal states, Florida leads with probably the most unprovoked shark bites since 1837, as specialists notice altering shark habits from coast to coast. (iStock)

Hawaii has 199, whereas California has 141, ISAF has famous.

Activist Julie Andersen, founding father of the New York-based Shark Angels, informed Fox Information Digital that latest assaults don't point out a rise in sharks within the oceans.

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"The rise in sightings is because of a mixture of components: extra folks within the water, higher expertise, shifting ocean situations, and in some instances, profitable conservation," she mentioned.

"Right now, extra swimmers, surfers and beachgoers are capturing and sharing their experiences."

There have been 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 28 going down within the U.S. (iStock)

She added, "With drones, GoPros and social media, encounters that when went unnoticed at the moment are extensively shared. Sharks have all the time been there. We’re simply seeing them extra typically."

Shark Angels is devoted to shark conservation by remodeling concern into fascination and selling schooling to dispel myths about sharks, the group notes.

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Andersen mentioned that in locations like California or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, white shark populations are rebounding "due to many years of safety." She mentioned their return is an indication of more healthy oceans.

The American Affiliation for the Development of Science estimates about 274,000 sharks are killed globally every day.

About 274,000 sharks are killed globally every day. (iStock)

Andersen mentioned a number of beach communities are seeing larger numbers of sharks this summer time.

"Primarily based on developments over the previous few years, shark habits is clearly shifting," she mentioned.

"From the West Coast to the East Coast and even components of Mexico, sightings are rising in locations like California, Cape Cod, the Carolinas, Florida, and Baja."

Andersen mentioned, "New Smyrna Seashore in Florida holds the title of ‘shark chew capital of the world.' Positioned in Volusia County, it persistently tops world charts for shark encounters."

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She additionally mentioned that "most of those bites are minor, typically from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish. Many don’t even require stitches."

One daring endurance athlete is paying a particular tribute to "Jaws" by swimming 62 miles across the island of Martha’s Winery in Massachusetts — the place the movie was set.

A consumer walks previous objects that includes the "Jaws" film at Neptune's Sea Chest present store on Might 12, 2025, in Winery Haven, Massachusetts, on Martha's Winery Island. (AP Picture/Charles Krupa)

Lewis Pugh mentioned his purpose is to lift consciousness of the necessity to defend sharks and to alter public notion of the mighty fish.

Pugh mentioned the favored 1975 movie showcased sharks as "villains, as cold-blooded killers," he informed The Related Press (AP).

"It was a movie about sharks attacking people and for 50 years, we have now been attacking sharks … It’s utterly unsustainable. It’s insanity. We have to respect them," Pugh informed AP.

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Unsure what to do in the event you encounter a shark within the water?

The parents at Shark Angels shared some insights to contemplate.

6 shark ideas you will need to know this summer time 1. "If a shark comes close to you within the water, keep calm. Don't panic."

2. "Make and preserve eye contact. Sharks are opportunistic predators and like a straightforward goal. After they know you see them, they're much much less more likely to strategy."