Shark Attack - Shark Attacks Decline Globally, but US Remains Hotspot

Shark attacks remain a topic of concern for many coastal communities and beachgoers, especially as summer arrives across the United States. Recent data from multiple sources, including the International Shark Attack File and news organizations, reveal that while the overall number of shark attacks has declined globally, the United States continues to experience the highest number of incidents. In 2024, there were 47 unprovoked shark attacks reported worldwide, with 28 of those taking place in U.S. waters. Florida, with its extensive coastline and warm waters, consistently leads the nation, accounting for about half the country’s attacks, though these rarely result in fatalities thanks to rapid medical care and well-established safety procedures. Volusia County in Florida remains the state’s hotspot, with more attacks recorded there than anywhere else in the nation.

Hawaii, North Carolina, and California follow Florida in the number of reported encounters. In 2025, as of late May, three shark attack bites have been documented in the United States. These include a single unprovoked, non-fatal attack in Florida and a provoked incident in Hawaii involving a shark tour employee on the north shore of Oahu. The Hawaii incident was attributed to the diver being caught in a bait ball used to attract sharks for tourists, and the employee’s arm was saved after prompt medical intervention. North Carolina also reported one bite but without loss of life. Meanwhile, Australia continues to be a global hotspot outside the U.S., with nine reported attacks so far this year, including three fatalities.

Provoked attacks, such as those resulting from spearfishing or attempts to interact with sharks for photographs, also account for several recent cases worldwide. One particularly severe case occurred in the Turks and Caicos Islands where a Canadian tourist lost both hands trying to photograph a shark in shallow water. Another fatal attack took place in New Caledonia when a man spearfishing near Kendek Islet was killed by a shark, marking the region’s first fatal incident since 2023.

Authorities are responding to these incidents with stepped-up safety protocols. Beach warning systems have become more common, with electronic signage and flags alerting swimmers to high-risk conditions or shark sightings. Many coastal areas are also increasing the use of patrol boats and aerial drones to monitor for sharks, especially in known hotspots like Florida’s east coast. Education remains key, with officials emphasizing the need for beachgoers to stay updated on local warnings and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.

Emerging patterns point to environmental changes and human activity bringing sharks closer to shore. Experts cite habitat disruption, coastal development, and climate change as contributing factors that draw sharks into shallower waters, increasing the likelihood of human encounters. Still, experts agree that the risk of attack remains extremely low, and most encounters are not fatal. The focus continues to shift toward coexistence and increased public awareness, aiming to ensure that both sharks and humans can safely share the ocean.