MYTH

While reported attacks may increase due to better reporting and more people in the water, actual attack rates remain very low.

Source: Shark Attack Trends - International Shark Attack File

MYTH

While sharks have an excellent sense of smell, they can only detect blood from about a quarter mile away under ideal conditions.

Source: Shark Sensory Biology - Florida Museum

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research

MYTH

Sharks don't sleep in the traditional sense, but they do have periods of rest and reduced activity.

Source: Do Sharks Sleep? - Discovery Channel

FACT

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 1 million, while shark attack odds are about 1 in 11.5 million.

Source: Shark Attack vs Lightning Strike Odds - Florida Museum