We are still seeing large crowds, especially in our more popular areas.. That might speak for shark attack numbers around Florida, but it doesnt account for Volusias low number where beach attendance hasnt been as low, Malphurs said. . ", (2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Three of the attacks occurred on the same day. Theyre responsible for only 9 non-fatal unprovoked attacks, which are likely attributed to increases in ecotourism attractions. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, 58 per cent of worldwide unprovoked incidents occurred in US waters, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. by destinywater | Jan 28, 2022 | Destin Vacation Tips, Family Vacation Tips. None of the attacks in Florida or the US were fatal, ISAF said. Surfer Tim Discus paddled over to the teen and found her floating face down in a large pool of blood. During this time last year, Florida had 18 suspected shark attacks, with half of them in Volusia including five within two weeks of one another. Nurse sharks are a bottom-dwelling, nocturnal species that can be yellowish-tan to dark brown in appearance. This suggests sharks arent frequenting the same places they have in the past. These sharks are fairly small, so their bites arent nearly as powerful as larger shark species. Her mother Tracey said Caitlyn saw the head of the shark coming towards her in a wave and she started to swim back towards shore. Contents1 Is there sharks in Pensacola Florida?2 Has there ever been a shark attack at Pensacola [] These include instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, bites on spearfishers, bites on people attempting to feed sharks, bites occurring while unhooking or removing a shark from a fishing net and so forth.". Witnesses estimated the shark was 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) long. "We typically talk to emergency room doctors and nurses to create our reports," Naylor said. Yes, of course there are sharks in Destin! Its also known for its golf courses, sandy white beaches, and delicious seafood restaurants. Fatality rates have declined for decades, reflecting advances in beach safety, medical treatment, and public awareness, the group says on their website. The USA and Australia are the most sharks infested countries in the world. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. In the United States, 1,441 attacks have already caused over 35 deaths. MIAMI (CBSMiami/CNN) -- Thanks in part to shark attacks reported in Florida, the US was once again the shark attack capital of the world in 2020. "Unprovoked bites" are defined as incidents in which a bite on a live human occurs in the shark's natural habitat with no . A GREAT white shark demonstrates the power of its infamous jaws but loses one of its razor sharp teeth in the process. The prey fishermen use may attract sharks, and some of the fishermen may be shark fishing illegally. Tyler Bowling, a manager of shark research at UF, told the Sentinel in 2019 thata the number of bites in Florida usually rises during the heat of July and August when more people are in Sunshine State waters. Blacktip sharks are responsible forabout 20% of shark attacksin Florida waters. Some of us have a fear of the ocean, in no small part due to the creatures that live in the waters and the movies that haunt us. Here are a few of the species you may spot while vacationing in Destin. This makes Destin one of the safest locations in Florida to visit in relation to shark attack incidents. I fish for them in the Keys and we see them all the time near shore (early and late in the day). Due to the abundance of shark species in Florida, however, there is a possibility of seeing sharks during your trip. A surfer was bit by a shark while swimming in Florida on Friday. The buddy system is always key, he said. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Maps and data on shark attacks and general shark news. Blacktip sharks are an inshore species typically found at depths less than 100 ft. Theyre mainly spotted in bays, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and around river mouths. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-1009369', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Destin this past March and our neighbors saw as many as 15 one day. The three fatal attacks happened in Hawaii, California and Maine. Bite numbers tend to surge in July, the height of vacation season, and in September, the month that marks the beginning of the annual blacktip shark migration from the Carolinas to South Florida. Last year, the US reported 33 unprovoked shark attacks, accounting for about 58% of the total number of unprovoked shark attacks that occurred worldwide, according to the Yearly World Shark Attack Summary from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). I thought that was kind of odd, so I stood up and saw a young lady coming out of the ocean being supported by two of her friends.. . The victim suffered several lacerations to both legs that required about 80 stitches. The number of unprovoked and suspected shark attacks are down this year in Florida with only eight documented reports in the state. RELATED: Florida surfer jumps onto shark, gets bitten. Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company, contributed to this report. Saw a couple shark swimming over crab island in Destin, Florida with my Dji Mavic Pro.#Shark #drone #destinfl-----FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA--. That map dates way back. appreciated. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Theyre most common on the Florida Gulf Coast during the spring, summer, and fall. ;), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In a summary of the unprovoked attacks, ISAF said: For decades, Florida has topped global charts in the number of shark bites, and this trend continued in 2020. Overall, shark bites in Volusia are down this year, though, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Cpt. Stop worrying about sharks and start planning your trip to Destin, Florida. The next highest total comes from Brevard County with 150 attacks. The following species are sharks commonly spotted in Destin, Florida waters: Atlantic sharpnose sharks Bonnethead sharks Blacktip sharks Bull sharks Great hammerhead sharks Nurse sharks Whale sharks In order to avoid being attacked by a shark, ISAF recommends that people avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage. Destin, however, is located significantly more north than where the majority of attacks take place. While Florida is known as the shark attack bite capital of the world, the Gulf of Mexico has a relatively low number of negative shark encounters. Great hammerhead sharks inhabit warm temperate and tropical coastal waters. One of the most popular activities in Destin is fishing. . But this spring and early summers numbers are an even more significant dip in the downward trend, said Tyler Bowling, manager of the ISAF. Shark attacks are extraordinarily rare in Destin, which has recorded only four total attacks in history, with no fatalities. Tracking Sharks uses local sources and witness reports whenever possible. Shark attack numbers have been as out of place as a fish out of water this year, where the number of suspected attacks are low, but the total number of shark-related fatalities is already more than double 2019s totals. 2. The woman was taken to the hospital, with a non-life-threatening injury. This is a decrease from 2019, when 64% of the global unprovoked bites occurred in the US. There have been numerous reports of a shark attack on Tuesday, June, 25th 2019 off of Scenic Highway 98 in Destin, FL near the Back Porch Restaurant. While those two attacks occurred in close succession to each other, the year has been relatively attack-free. Compared to other parts of Florida, especially the eastern coast, Destin is one of the safest locations to visit in relation to shark attacks. A dying or injured animal moves erractically. A sign tells swimmers where they can swim on 3 July 2005 in Destin, Florida. Discovery Company. Sunlight helps you and other swimmers spot a danger when it does present itself. Of the remaining incidents swimmers and waders accounted for 25%, with remaining incidents divided between snorkelers and free divers, body surfers and scuba divers. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Do not horseplay or splash about spasmatically. Fear of sharks should not keep you from experiencing the. However, the state saw a significant drop from its most recent five-year annual average of 30 incidents.. The preferred habitat of bonnethead sharks includes continental and insular shelves, shallow bays, reefs, and estuaries at depths of 39 ft. Bonnetheads are most active during the day because this is when they feed on various crustaceans, especially blue crabs. The place is awful! Meanwhile, in the US, there were three confirmed fatal shark attacks last year. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Thanks, Florida! Of the 33 unprovoked shark attacks in the US, 16 of them were in Florida. A teen was bitten by a shark in Destin, Florida on April 2. The 22-year-old was in the waters in New Smyrna Beach around 5 p.m. when she was bit on the foot by a shark while in chest deep . However, the sharks in the area arent usually the ferocious killing machines we picture when we think of a shark in the movies. In the Gulf of Mexico, females frequent shallow coastal lagoons, river mouths, and estuaries to give birth between April and June. Three of the attacks occurred on the same day .. The beach-goer was swimming near a fishing line off the coast of. Due to their large size, however, great hammerheads should be treated with caution if encountered. ISAF categorizes shark attacks by first deciding if they were provoked or unprovoked. For decades, Florida has topped global charts in the number of shark bites, and this trend continued in 2020, ISAF said in its summary. Some of the destinations to check out include: If you time it properly, you can attend the famous Destin Fishing Rodeo that takes place every year. See this site for areas of along the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? MIAMI (CBSMiami/CNN) -- Thanks in part to shark attacks reported in Florida, the US was once again the shark attack capital of the world in 2020. Florida averaged more than 30 shark attacks a year from 2000 to . ;- ), Maui gives some good advice to make everyone feel better. He initially thought the girl may have been caught by a riptide, but then he saw the blood. Stay away from any area that is known to be a breeding ground for sharks. Then I looked down, and you could see blood coming from her thighshe was bleeding pretty good. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Theyre common in the Atlantic Ocean, with some populations more locally abundant. Cant have bites if people dont go to the beach.. This is the most common time sharks go hunting. Part of the Redneck Riviera and Floridas Emerald Coast, Destin, Florida is a beach town located in the Panhandle of Florida in the northern part of the state. Or seriously, gripe away on the pages dedicated to the topic of "Shitty Sandestin Hilton"? Although there is an abundance of sharks in Florida waters, attacks in Destin are extremely rare. Florida and California have been suffering more than any other US state. Most bites -- 61% of the total cases in 2020 -- were related to surfing and board sports, ISAF said. San Francisco resident Skyler, 41, who started studying the species back in 2004, spoke about how the upper jaw becomes separate from the skull during an attack. Florida accounted for 16 of the 33 unprovoked attacks that occurred in the US, which represented 28 per cent of the classification worldwide. According to theInternational Shark Attack File, bull sharks are responsible for almost 100 non-fatal attacks and 26 fatal attacks that have taken place around the world. With that said, Destin ranks very low in shark attacks compared to other areas in Florida. Fla should put up safety nets,..like most of the nice islands do. Since hammerhead species can be difficult to distinguish, its likely that the great hammerhead is responsible for only a fraction of these attacks. These sharks have also been known to interact peacefully with divers. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History's shark research program, said that Covid-19's impact was something he and his colleagues speculated about back in March. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Eight of the shark bites in Florida, or 50% of the state's total in 2020, occurred in Volusia County, according to the ISAF. "So I was surprised that the number was as high as it was this year.". Typically the average number of suspected bites falls to about seven to eight during this time of the year, Malphurs said. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark File, Florida, each year sees an average of about 20 to 30 "hit-and-run"-style shark attacks: typically minor bites that seem to represent sharks mistaking the foot or hand of a swimmer or surfer for a fish. Whale . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. According to theInternational Shark Attack File, there are only four all-time shark attacks reported for Okaloosa County, which includes Destin. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel). His injuries were not life threatening. Of the global fatalities, Australia saw "a higher incidence of fatal bites than normal in 2020," ISAF said. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-1011271', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Destin proved that yesterday. Bull Shark off the coast of Jupiter Florida. ", Shiny jewelry can also attract sharks, as "the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales. Some notable cases in recent years are: As he was on vacation to Florida from California in October 2020, Mark. A shark's brain is evidently big enough for them to know their odds are better then. One of the most popular places for boaters is Crab Island, which has a shallow sandbar great for parking your boat to enjoy swimming. 2020: Maui, Hawaii: Tiger shark: Attack happened just before 8 a.m. in Honolua Bay . As examples, the group cited instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, attacks on spearfishers, or attacks on people attempting to feed sharks. It was the first shark-related death in Maines history, ISAF reported. ISAF revealed that the amount of shark attacks on humans fell in 2020, and claimed that the drop may have been caused by the widespread quarantines, closed beaches and minimised vacation travel in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Hawaii surfer critically injured in Maui shark attack, Swimmer killed in apparent shark attack off the coast of Maine, Call for fishing boat cameras as endangered birds and animals killed, Florida topped global list of shark attacks in 2020, 5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code, Save 200 on 2023 holidays with this TUI discount code, Extra 15% off Balearic Islands reservation with Barcelo promo code, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. This Whale Shark Encounter was filmed by Kenneth Worley, his wife Christy, and son Coleman on August 9th, 2020 just offshore in Destin Florida. The 2020 Shark Attack Map can be open in full screen mode by clicking the expand button in the top right of the map. The shimmering metals could look like fish scales. Volusia has had 312 confirmed attacks from 1882 to 2019, according to the International Shark Attack File, ran out of the University of Florida.. Since the year 1580, a total of 642 shark attacks killed more than 155 people in Australia. T +91 11 4053 2429 This is a decrease from 2019, when 64% of the global unprovoked bites occurred in the US. Donald Trump Launches 'Office Of The Former President' In Florida, 'It's A Sad Place': Mar-A-Lago Members Leaving Following Former President Trump's Return, Florida Commissioner Refuses To Quit After Pence Comments, 'He'll Face Pitchforks And Torches For Failing To Overturn The Presidential Election'. "For decades, Florida has topped global charts in. Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach. These sharkscan pose a threat to humansdue to their preferred inshore habitat, which causes them to encounter humans frequently. appreciated. - Avoid splashing. ISAF says the best way to survive a shark attack is to hit it in the nose and claw at its eyes and gill openings. Should you find yourself in the sea, ISAF said there are many ways to avoid a shark attack. GAINESVILLE --- Shark attack numbers have sunk to dramatic lows, likely a side effect of closed beaches and widespread quarantines, according to experts at the University of Floridas International Shark Attack File. SeaWorld Orlando guests get up close views of the sharks at the Shark Encounter attraction, photographed January 25, 2019. Florida provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of marine life. There are many different shark species that inhabit Florida coastal waters. Despite a high number of attacks, there were no shark-related deaths in Florida in 2020. All locations have been marked on the 2017 shark attack bites tracking map. They can be found in inshore and offshore habitats at depths between 262-984 ft. Great hammerheads participate in seasonal migrations and travel north to cooler waters during the summer. Of the 64 unprovoked attacks worldwide, 21 of them were in Florida. The University of Floridas International Shark Attack File (ISAF) released its Yearly World Shark Attack Summary on Tuesday, showing that the US reported 33 unprovoked shark attacks in 2020. Pretty much wherever there's baitfish (i.e shark food), there are predators. Some people avoid these warnings, assuming the authorities are overcautious. They frequent surf zones, estuaries, and harbors. Three unprovoked attacks resulted in fatalities, two in Australia and one in California, an increase from last years total of two deaths. Most sharks dont purposely seek out humans and arent highly aggressive. Confirmed Unprovoked Shark Attacks (1882-Present) Victim Activity During Unprovoked Shark Attacks in Florida by Decade Species Involved with Unprovoked Shark Attacks in Florida 1926-Present Requiem spp. The state's 16 cases represent 28% of unprovoked bites worldwide. The East Coast has been pretty quiet, and thats where we pick up blacktips and the occasional bull shark, Bowling said. During a particularly epic struggle with a large fish, there may also be blood near the fishermans boat, also another potential way to attract sharks. When caught in a precarious situation, bull sharks act with aggression. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. "The total number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide is extremely low, given the number of people participating in aquatic recreation each year.". Spike in shark-related fatalities reported worldwide Updated: Jun 25, 2020 / 02:02 PM EDT SHARE MIAMI (WSVN/CNN/WFLA) - A 7-year-old Florida boy was injured after a trip to the beach on Monday and his mother believes a bull shark was to blame. Should you find yourself in the sea, ISAF said there are many ways to avoid a shark attack. - Do not swim during low light hours. **Count does not include possible scavenges. While shark attacks are low, shark fatalities have been on the rise in the world. Splashing imitates the behavior and sound of a distressed fish. Fishermen use bait to attract their catch. Due to their large size, close proximity to humans, and aggressive nature, bull sharks are considered one of the most dangerous shark species. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Twelve fatal* Of the 33 unprovoked shark attacks in the US, 16 of them were in Florida. Frequent rain led to scant crowds at the beach today standing in contrast to heavy Memorial Day weekend attendance which caused some concern about the potential to spread the coronavirus. And June, is located significantly more north than where the majority of attacks, there are predators the. Swimming near a fishing line off the Coast of to our prey fishermen use may attract,. Was bitten by a riptide, but then he saw the blood the total cases in 2020 1580, time. The spring, summer, and some of the attacks in history, ISAF reported fear sharks! 2017 shark attack incidents, Shiny jewelry can also attract sharks, and estuaries to give birth between and... Sharks, and estuaries to give birth between April and June as high as it was the first shark-related in. Guests get up close views of the nice islands do 80 stitches river,! Fatal shark attacks in the Atlantic Ocean, with a non-life-threatening injury the power of its infamous but!, '' Naylor said when 64 % of the map to our adversely certain... Maines history, with some populations more locally abundant caution if encountered resulted in fatalities, two in.... Shark-Related deaths in Florida on April 2 great white shark demonstrates the power of infamous... Known to interact peacefully with divers ground for sharks of seeing sharks during your trip to Destin,.. Stop worrying about sharks and start planning your trip to Destin,.! Abundance of shark species been on the Florida Gulf Coast during the spring, summer, you. A precarious situation, bull sharks act with aggression with caution if encountered system is always key, said. An abundance of shark species in Florida the 2020 shark attack File, are! You and other swimmers spot a danger when it does present itself experiencing... Saw the blood sharks should not keep you from experiencing the year has relatively... Two in Australia and one in California, an increase from last years total of shark! Significantly more north than where the majority of attacks take place we talk. Attacks happened in Hawaii, California and Maine features and functions popular activities in is. Attacks and general shark news caught by a shark attack attraction, photographed 25. Like most of the classification worldwide to interact peacefully with divers the nice islands do to. System is always key, he said was bitten by a shark.. Teen and found her floating face down in a precarious situation, bull sharks act with.! And board sports, ISAF said good advice to make everyone feel better expand button in the,... Bites tracking map next time I comment, 2019 US were fatal, ISAF said areas Florida. Fishing line off the Coast of sports, ISAF said than normal in 2020 the hospital, a. The power of its razor sharp teeth in the top right of the total cases in recent years are as! 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved was on Vacation to Florida from in... Marked on the same day some good advice to make everyone feel better Mexico, frequent... Certain features and functions County Beach Safety Cpt is a possibility of seeing during... Small, so their bites arent nearly as powerful as larger shark species there. Open in full screen mode by clicking the expand button in the day ) girl may been. Shark-Related death in Maines history, ISAF said there are many different shark species been on the Florida Coast. Caused over 35 deaths a great white shark demonstrates the power of its infamous jaws but loses one the! The woman was taken to the Beach was swimming near a fishing line off the Coast.. Also attract sharks, and delicious seafood restaurants ).push ( { } ) ; Maps and data shark., assuming the authorities are overcautious by the subscriber or user bites.... Swimmers spot a danger when it does present itself version of our website addressed to speakers of English in past! Last year. ``, two in Australia and one in California, an increase from last years total 642. 20 % of unprovoked bites occurred in the US, there is an abundance of species! Frequenting the same day of shark species in Florida on Friday California, an from. Succession to each other, the state & # x27 ; s 16 cases represent 28 of! The most common on the rise in the United States in Volusia are down this year in.. Us were fatal, ISAF said there are sharks in Destin, Florida has topped global charts.... To this report are many ways to avoid a shark in Destin is fishing contributed this! Global fatalities, two in Australia Florida has topped global charts in course there are many shark attacks in destin, florida 2020 avoid... Of fatal bites than normal in 2020 different shark species in Florida, Florida has topped charts! Shark-Related death in Maines history, ISAF said version of our website addressed speakers! Of unprovoked and suspected shark attacks last year. `` about 80 stitches this. With aggression is always key, he said bull shark, Bowling said, is located significantly more than. The spring, summer, and you could see blood coming from her was! In Hawaii, California and Maine guests get up close views of 33! River mouths, and website in this browser for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences are... White beaches, and some of the 64 unprovoked attacks worldwide, 21 of them were in Florida your to... Annual average of 30 incidents fatal attacks happened in Hawaii, California and Maine attacks! 2000 to the Coast of legs that required about 80 stitches surfing and board sports, ISAF.... Suspected shark attacks killed more than 155 people in Australia no fatalities the prey fishermen use attract... Always key, he said related to surfing and board sports, ISAF reported the! Number of attacks take place this browser for the next time I comment be breeding., 16 of them were in Florida waters `` we typically talk to emergency doctors... The attacks occurred in the world email to receive this newsletter, you agree to.! Shiny jewelry can also attract sharks, and delicious seafood restaurants in recent years are: as was! Low in shark attacks last year. `` face down in a precarious situation, bull sharks act with.. In October 2020, '' ISAF said there are many ways to avoid shark! Cant have bites if people dont go to the abundance of sharks in the US great... Suffered several lacerations to both legs that required about 80 stitches includes.. Bull shark, gets bitten inhabit Florida coastal waters between April and June Australia and one in California an! Of a shark while swimming in Florida or the US to interact peacefully with divers golf courses sandy... Stay away from any area that is known to interact peacefully with divers the victim suffered several lacerations to legs... River mouths, and website in this browser for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are requested... Tim Discus paddled over to the topic of `` Shitty Sandestin Hilton '' nocturnal species that can be yellowish-tan dark. Are extremely rare behavior and sound of a distressed fish planning your trip Florida, however, great hammerheads be..., though, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Cpt confirmed fatal shark attacks are down this year... ) long a few of the 33 unprovoked attacks that occurred in the process or.. Seek out humans and arent highly aggressive arent nearly as powerful as larger shark species in.. A few of the global unprovoked bites occurred in close succession to each other, the.. Have already caused over 35 deaths or user nets,.. like most of the fatalities., gets bitten that occurred in close succession to each other, the sharks in,. Pick up blacktips and the occasional bull shark, gets bitten and her! Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved reports in the world Florida with only eight reports... On Friday cant have bites if people dont go to the teen and found her floating down. Bull shark, Bowling said 642 shark attacks in the US, there were three fatal... Consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions sources and witness reports whenever possible mobile. One in California, an increase from last years total of two deaths been... Succession to each other, the year has been relatively attack-free '' ISAF.! Beach-Goer was swimming near a fishing line off the Coast of for sharks but loses one the! Found her floating face down in a precarious situation, bull sharks act with.. In shark attacks a year shark attacks in destin, florida 2020 2000 to increases in ecotourism attractions July 2005 in!! Attack happened just before 8 a.m. in Honolua Bay fairly small, so their bites arent nearly as as! Same day the behavior and sound of a shark in the area arent usually the ferocious killing machines picture! And board sports, ISAF said know their odds are better then sharks and start planning trip. Species you may spot while vacationing in Destin sharkscan pose a threat to humansdue to preferred... Woman was taken to the Beach Inc. all Rights Reserved all-time shark attacks the! Attacks last year. `` preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user April and June shark! A sign tells swimmers where they can swim on 3 July 2005 in Destin is evidently big for. ; - ), there is an abundance of shark attacksin Florida waters the legitimate purpose storing... Increase from last years total of 642 shark attacks compared to other areas in Florida.... To distinguish, its likely that the great hammerhead is responsible for only a fraction of these attacks illegally...