Experts: U.S. shark attacks reach decade high

This July 11, 2011 photo shows a shark warning sign along the Surf Beach near Lompoc, Calif. in Santa Barbara County. / AP Photo/Michael Fernandez

GAINESVILLE, Fla. Scholars say shark attacks in the U.S. reached their highest level in a decade last year.

The University of Florida's International Shark Attack File released on Monday says the U.S. experienced 53 attacks in 2012, the most since 2000.

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Florida led the U.S. with 26 attacks. Hawaii had 10 attacks, followed by California and South Carolina with five each, North Carolina with two and one each in Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Puerto Rico. One attack in California was fatal.

The report says there were seven fatalities worldwide, which is lower than 2011 but higher than the yearly average of 4.4 from 2001 to 2010. There were 80 unprovoked attacks worldwide, slightly more than 2011.

[Donnie_G]

Well lets see now, according to the Discovery Channel, seals and sea lions are favorite foods of sharks. Where do seals and sea lions swim and play? Close to shore. Where do people swim and play? Close to shore. So, if a shark is hunting for some of its favorite food, where will it hunt? 2+2=OUCH. I'm sure the shark would apologize if it could. After all, what critter would deliberately bite into something that's wearing spandex and neoprene (rubber) for skin? Can't digest it. Might even choke to death on it. So if you do get bitten by a shark and survive, then just consider it an honest mistake and get over it.

[pammmmmm]

Sharks don't attack humans...

[leftylouie2013]

It is because there is no food left in the oceans for them. Most of the fish consumed by humans is farm raised around the world. The sharks are now looking for a new food sourc.

[rwsmith29456]

Changing currents are shifting shark (and others) patterns closer to shore in many populated areas.

[sawmillworker1963]

Don't blame the sharks. Blame the people for invading where they live.

[mdntoil]

Bush's fault!

[Sax1031]

you know what that means

we have to ban sharks

[tantrim]

It's because of global warming or deficient spending depending on your political persuasion.