World’s shark attack hotspot revealed – do you go on holiday there?
FLORIDA is the world’s shark attack hotspot, researchers revealed.
The Sunshine State had more reported bites than anywhere else in 2022.
None of the 16 attacks on people were fatal but two — likely from bull sharks — resulted in amputations.
The number worldwide equalled a ten-year low, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File.
There were a total of 57 unprovoked bites, mostly in the US and Australia.
Five were fatal, down from nine deaths in 2021 and ten the year before.
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Experts say the drop may reflect a global decline in shark numbers.
And Dr Gavin Naylor, head of shark research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, added: "Generally speaking, the number of sharks in the world's oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls.
"It's likely that fatalities are down because some areas have recently implemented rigorous beach safety protocols, especially in Australia."
Dr Naylor added: "Juveniles tend to be more experimental and will try things that an adult shark wouldn't.
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"If fish are especially dense where people are swimming and visibility is poor, then it is more likely that young sharks, which lack the experience of older animals, will mistake a swimmer's foot for their intended prey."