health
February 18, 2026
Unprovoked shark attacks up sharply in 2025, with 12 human deaths worldwide
Report records 65 unprovoked attacks – but annual drowning deaths in US alone exceed 4,000
TL;DR
- Global unprovoked shark attacks increased to 65 in 2025, with 12 fatalities, compared to 47 attacks and seven deaths in 2024.
- Florida's Volusia County remains the world's 'shark bite capital,' though its numbers saw a slight decrease.
- Australia recorded five fatalities and 21 unprovoked bites, with bull sharks implicated in one fatal incident.
- The US had 25 unprovoked bites, with one fatality, a triathlete in California.
- Great white, tiger, and bull sharks are responsible for most serious bites.
- Despite the rise in attacks, shark bite incidents remain statistically rare compared to drownings and lightning strikes.
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