Sharks are one of the most misunderstood animals in the animal kingdom. Many people are afraid of them because of the potential danger they pose. In actuality, many shark species aren't dangerous at all!
But then there are other shark species whose reputation precedes them. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is considered by many people to be the world's most dangerous shark, especially by people in the United States, where great white sharks are abundant.
But are these sharks really that bad, or is their danger over-hyped? Let's learn more about the great white shark, the "most dangerous shark in the world."
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Great White Sharks Are Found In Both The Atlantic And Pacific Oceans
They are the most commonly seen sharks off the West Coast of the U.S.
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Despite being the most well-known and famous shark species, great white sharks are not the most common shark species in the U.S. They are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
In the Atlantic Ocean, they can be found in waters from Maine down to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. In the Pacific, they can be seen from Alaska down to California and around Hawaii.
But despite not being the most common shark in the U.S., they are the most commonly encountered large shark in the waters off the West Coast, especially in California.
Great white sharks are migratory, meaning they move to different parts of the ocean depending on the season. They are most active in the U.S. during the summer months when the water is warmer, which is also the mating season. They often move to shallower areas during this time as well, which is where most shark attacks occur.
Scientific Name
Carcharodon carcharias
Where They Are Found
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Where They Are Most Likely to Be Seen
California
When They Are Most Likely to Be Seen
Summer
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Great White Sharks Can Grow To More Than 20 Feet Long
They're called great white sharks for a reason
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Although they aren't the largest shark species (that honor goes to the whale shark), great white sharks can grow longer than 20 feet and weigh more than 5,000 pounds. The largest shark ever recorded was larger than the average limousine!
However, the average size for a great white shark is around 14-15 feet. Female great whites tend to be larger than males on average. But males usually live longer, at around 73 years compared to a female's 40 years.
Size
Up to 20+ feet
Weight
Up to 5,000+ pounds
Lifespan
30-75 years
Great white sharks are often scientifically referred to as just white sharks thanks to their white underbelly. The name great white shark is often used as a reference to their size and strength, but is not their official name.
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Great White Sharks Can Be Dangerous
However, they aren't as deadly as people think
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Sharks can instill fear into even the bravest of people, to the point that they do not go to beaches where sharks are known to be present. The fear of sharks like the great white is justified because great whites are among the shark species that are most likely to injure humans.
Great white sharks have up to 7 rows of sharp, triangular teeth, around 300 in total. This is one reason they are considered so dangerous.
Top view of huge great white shark swimming next to sea canoe
In 2023, there were 69 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide (across all species of sharks, not just great whites.) 36 of these shark attacks occurred in the United States, with two of them being fatal. This makes the U.S. the country where you're most likely to be attacked by a shark.
While any shark attack is unfortunate, most shark attacks are not fatal. And while the number of unprovoked shark attacks is a little concerning, great white sharks are not inherently aggressive towards humans.
However, they can be more aggressive during the mating season, which coincides with when most people visit beaches and are more likely to be attacked. Some sharks may simply mistake humans for prey, and after taking a bite, realize they are not prey and move on.
There are several unassuming creatures that are deadlier than sharks, but sharks are still taking a lot of the heat for being dangerous and deadly. Why?
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Jaws Gave Many People Unrealistic Perceptions Of Great Whites
The movie led to many people having a fear of sharks
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Jaws is one of the most well-known movies ever made, but it also caused a lot of misconceptions about great white sharks. The movie portrayed great whites as being vicious predators that eat people.
The movie created several negative effects and reactions to sharks, including:
A sense of unease among beachgoers, leading to less tourism to coastal areas Overly reactive laws and public policy regarding shark attacks People killing sharks for no reason other than the fact that they are sharks An increase in commercial fishing and shark fishing tournaments that led to a decrease in shark populations
Unfortunately, the great white shark species is still on the decline due to the effects of Jaws as well as other human activities that contribute to habitat degradation and loss, such as commercial fishing. Great white sharks are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, there was one positive thing that came from Jaws. It created an interest in sharks, which led to an increase in scientists studying sharks to try to better understand them and try to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding them.
So yes, great white sharks are dangerous, but they aren't as dangerous as people think. Many people love sharks and seek out opportunities to see them up close. This has led to many excursions in America where people can dive with sharks safely.
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While being afraid of sharks is justified, hopefully, some of these fears will be lessened as scientists continue to learn more and more about these incredible creatures.
In the meantime, you can learn how to protect yourself from shark attacks in open water, so you don't have to be afraid of visiting the beach.