The International Shark Attack File, which contains data on shark attacks from around the world, reports fewer than 100 shark attacks per year, with about 10-15 deaths each year. To set this numbers in perspective, about 60,000 people die from snakebites, around 1,500 from lions, tigers and leopards and 1,000 die from crocodile attacks.



Shark attacks can be broadly categorized into the following three types:



• In a "hit-and-run" attack, the most common type, the shark takes a single bite and does not return for more. Experts feel this attack may be because the shark mistakes a human for its normal prey.
• In a "bump-and-bite" attack, the shark bumps the victim prior to returning for further bites.
• In a "sneak attack," the shark bites without warning, and then follows up with further attacks.

The last two types of attacks, though less common than the hit-and-run attack, are the source of most severe shark bite injuries and shark bite deaths.