First Evidence of Individual Sharks Involved in Multiple Predatory Bites on People

• DOI: 10.1111/conl.13067
• Publication Date: 2024-11-08T10:14:34Z
• Authors: Eric E. G. Clua; Carl G. Meyer; Mark Freeman; Sandra Baksay; Hadrien Bidenbach; Anne Haguenauer; John D. C. Linnell; Clémentine Séguigne; Steven Surina; Michel Vely; Thomas Vignaud; Serge Planes
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; predators; VDP::Zoologiske og botaniske fag: 480; VDP::Zoology and botany: 480; General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution; Galeocerdo cuvier; Carcharhinus longimanus; QH1-199.5; shark

ABSTRACT It is widely accepted that populations of terrestrial predators sometimes contain “problem individuals” repeatedly attack humans, yet this phenomenon has never been demonstrated in sharks. Here, we present photographic and genetic evidence individuals tiger Galeocerdo cuvier oceanic whitetip Carcharhinus longimanus sharks (1) atypical behavior compared to the rest population, (2) engaged repeated agonistic directed toward (3) bit, or attempted bite humans probable foraging attempts. These case studies provide some first for existence among The percentage fatalities due same shark individual are not known, so recommend systematic swabbing victims wounds better understand importance possibility identifying these animals. Environmentally conscientious management options problem range from prohibiting ocean activities (e.g., swimming surfing) their habitats selectively removing individual, although latter would be challenging marine environment.