by Erika (age 12, @KNEstemGirls)
Sharks are some of people’s worst nightmares because “Jaws” and “Sharknado” represent the shark as the hungry man-killing beast, but that is nothing like its true nature. For those of you afraid of sharks, there is no need for fear because science is smarter than Hollywood.
Sharks are aquatic fish with rows of sharp teeth that always grow back and scream Danger! at some people because we are afraid of the unknown. What most people don’t realize is that sharks don’t intentionally attack humans, even though they are always in the water wondering what we are. I haven’t actually talked to a shark because I don’t know shark-speak, but it’s probably something like that.
You have a 1 in 3,700,000 chance of being killed by a shark in your lifetime. There are usually only 16 shark attacks in the US in a year and a fatal one (on average) every two years. There is a girl at my school who was bitten by a shark on her hand at an aquarium. She seems just fine. Although statistics vary, one fact people don’t know is that you are at least 10 times more likely to be bitten by a New Yorker than a shark. I’m pretty sure that’s true because my friend bit someone and I’m 99% positive that the boy she bit hasn’t been bitten by a shark. I probably would’ve heard about that. Also, you are more likely to get hurt in a car accident on your way to the beach than you are to be attacked by a shark at the beach.
Shark attacks are usually only one bite because the shark will realize that the victim isn’t a seal or fish. Sharks usually attack from below because surfers and people in tubes resemble turtles, seals and sea lions. Sharks are more likely to attack people who splash, are bleeding, or wear flashy outfits. Wounded animals that they would normally eat, like seals and fish, would also splash around because they would have trouble swimming. Sharks can smell blood from miles away, but some people probably know that already.
Shark feeding hours are from dusk to dawn and take place during the whole night. Which is just about the only thing “Jaws” moviemakers got right in the first few minutes. Don’t go skinny dipping unless you have a private pool. It’s a bad idea. If you are still freaked out by “Jaws” and “Sharknado” look up how the filmed it and what all the plot holes are.
So there is no reason to be afraid of sharks. I know this information helped me and I hope this information helps you. However, if you are still afraid of sharks you can always swim in a pool.
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