You’ve seen it in many horror and action movies: sharks are creatures to be respected and even feared, as their apex predators. Many ecosystems around the world are their favorite hunting grounds, and California happens to be one of them.
But is any of the fearmongering among humans justified at all? How likely are you to be a victim of these huge animals? Let’s find out as we explore the areas in California where you’re most likely to see sharks.
Are sharks a problem in California?
Not really. In fact, according to a report published by the Sacramento Bee, there have been 29 shark-related incidents in California since 2020, as of June. Of these incidents, 12 did not result in any injuries, 14 led to non-fatal injuries, and three were fatal.
Still, it is also a fact that, while most shark encounters end up in just a shocking sight worth sharing with your friends, there is a certain degree of risk if you happen to meet a Great White Shark. But this is due to the fact that hey’re larger compared with other shark species and not, contrary to popular belief, because they’re savage human hunters.
As the California Department of Fish and Wildlife states, since 1950 there are 215 recorded shark incidents involving various species, with at least 188 involving white sharks. Among these incidents, 16 were fatal, all of which likely involved white sharks.
What time of year are sharks in California?
Sharks are present in California’s waters throughout the year. However, their presence and behavior can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, prey availability, and migration patterns.
Generally, peak shark activity along the California coast tends to coincide with warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. This period often sees increased shark sightings and interactions as water temperatures rise, and more people engage in water activities.
Which beaches in California have a higher shark risk?
If we look into the statistics provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife of recorded events from 1950 to 2022, these are the areas in California where shark attacks are more prevalent considering fatal events, non-fatal injuries and no injuries:
- San Diego – 25
- San Mateo – 20
- Monterey – 18
- Santa Barbara – 19
- Santa Cruz – 15
- Marin – 17
- San Luis Obispo – 16
- Humboldt – 19
- Mendocino – 6
- Sonoma – 15
- Los Angeles – 9
- Orange – 9
- Farallon Island – 7
- Catalina Island – 4
- San Miguel Island – 5
- San Francisco – 2
- Ventura – 2
- Santa Cruz – 2
- San Nicolás – 1
- Santa Rosa – 1
How to prevent shark attacks?
To minimize the risk of shark attacks, the first step is to avoid encountering sharks altogether. This can be achieved in two ways: monitoring shark activity in your area using platforms like OCEARCH which track all marine animal movements, or choosing not to visit beaches where shark presence is more common.
While most incidents involving white sharks occur at the water’s surface, there have also been underwater encounters between sharks and divers. Scientists generally agree that these incidents are often not predatory in nature, but rather result from sharks investigating unfamiliar objects in their environment, such as kayaks.
Logically, It is not advisable to swim in areas where sharks have been spotted or where white sharks are known to feed. For those looking to swim or dive without encountering predators, alternatives include exploring the many lakes around Los Angeles, or enjoying swimming holes and public swimming pools away from coastal waters.
What to do if you spot a shark?
Catherine Macdonald, director of the Shark Research & Conservation Program at the University of Miami, advised NPR that when encountering a shark, it’s best to stay calm. If the shark’s behavior becomes unsettling, calmly move away and exit the water.
Swimmers are also advised to stay in groups, avoid entering the water if bleeding or during darkness, and refrain from wearing shiny jewelry that might resemble fish scales to sharks. In the unlikely event of a shark attack, it is recommended to fight back. If you find yourself in the shark’s mouth, targeting sensitive areas like the eyes or gills may cause the shark to release you.
As we stated above, it is important to once again remark that while shark sightings are common while we’ve settled our cities near their natural habitats, shark attacks are rare. Sharks are not human hunters with a preference for unprovoked attacks, and there is no reason to panic or hate this species. Always when visiting the outdoors, we need to make sure that we’re safe while also respectful with the environment. If you want to learn more about sharks, we recommend making a visit to one of the many aquariums around the city, as many of them showcases this majestic creatures.