Florida sees most unprovoked shark attacks on Earth in 2022

Florida had the most unprovoked shark attacks on Earth last year, according to new data. 

Of its 16 unprovoked bites, none were fatal, according to data from the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File shared by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

However, two that were likely from bull sharks required medical treatment resulting in amputations. 

A woman snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas early in the year was bitten by a lemon shark marking only the 11th known unprovoked attack from this species.

GIRL DIES IN SHARK ATTACK AFTER TRYING TO SWIM WITH DOLPHINS

The U.S. only had a single unprovoked fatality, which occurred late in the year off the shores of Keawakapu Beach in Maui, Hawaii.

Overall, the number of unprovoked shark attacks decreased last year, tying with 2020 for the fewest number of reported incidents in the last 10 years. 

The ISAF said there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites in 2022, most of which occurred in the U.S. and Australia. 

FLORIDA BEACH RANKED ‘DEADLIEST’ IN US DUE TO SHARK ATTACKS, HURRICANES

Five attacks were fatal, down from nine and 10 deaths in 2021 and 2020, respectively. 

Since 2013 – with the exception of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic – there has been an average of 74 unprovoked bites per year.

The report said the overall reduction in bites may reflect the documented global decline of shark populations. 

“Generally speaking, the number of sharks in the world’s oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls”  Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Florida Program for Shark Research, said in a statement. “It’s likely that fatalities are down because some areas have recently implemented rigorous beach safety protocols, especially in Australia.”