Are Sharks really the villains?

It’s time to bust the big question? Are sharks really that dangerous? In my opinion, sharks are wonderful creatures, my personal favourite being the Great white, but I have always wondered if these Bloodthirsty predators are really as dangerous as we believe? We, as humans, have always labelled and believed that sharks are one of the most ruthless of animals. Having been exposed to and influenced by Movies and TV, we have always imagined these creatures coming swimming after us with their wide, powerful snapping jaws, ready to eat us whole. But is this truly reality or just what's been shaped by false beliefs?

Many of us have exaggerated versions of shark attacks in mind, and we often confuse ourselves with shark curiosity and believe it to be aggression. Although shark attacks have happened, they are very rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, there are roughly 10 deaths per year globally due to shark attacks, so we are more likely to die from a coconut to the head than a shark bite. Most of these attacks do not happen because sharks see us as a delicious 5-star meal, but instead are provoked by our actions, such as interfering with breeding spaces, touching them, or disturbing their space. When sharks are curious, startled, or confused, they tend to “Attack.” NOAA has stated that “if a shark sees a human splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack. Still, sharks have more to fear from humans than we do from them. “

Sharks aren't as large and fierce as we see them; they are actually quite shy, peaceful creatures who peacefully dwell beneath the waves. They usually feast on a wide range of marine life, such as fish and invertebrates(shrimps, squid), and marine mammals such as seals definitely not humans. As everything in the world has a place, so do sharks; they have vital roles in protecting coral reefs and controlling prey populations according to the Ocean Conservation Trust. These apex predators are true jewels in our ocean ecosystem.

Sharks don’t have hands like we do to explore their surroundings; instead, they often rely on their mouth/teeth to investigate unfamiliar items. Many “Attacks” happen out of curiosity bites. They are often accidental attacks, not deliberate.

This is a very important topic because our irrational fears can be harmful. People kill sharks unnecessarily due to the belief that they are dangerous, resulting in the endangerment of species such as the Great Hammerhead.

Sharks are not horrific monsters they are amazing, wonderful creatures that deserve our respect and care.