Quck answer
Playing dead is not an effective strategy to save oneself from a shark attack. Sharks are predators and are attracted to the smell of blood and the movement of their prey. Playing dead may even encourage the shark to attack as it perceives the person as an easier target. The best defense against a shark attack is to avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to frequent, to stay in groups, and to be aware of one’s surroundings while in the water. If attacked by a shark, experts advise to fight back aggressively and aim for the shark’s sensitive areas such as the eyes, gills, or nose.
Wild Animals
Sharks typically employ three methods when attacking: hit-and-run, sneak attack, and bump-and-bite. See more shark pictures.
Cousteau Society/Getty Images
Imagine waking up to find a bear at your campsite while camping in the woods. Unless the bear acts aggressively, dropping to your knees and pretending to be dead can make it lose interest in you and walk away.
What if you’re swimming in the ocean and spot a shark nearby? Should you play dead and hope for the best? To answer that question, let’s examine how sharks approach and attack humans.
Shark Image Gallery
Contrary to popular beliefs about sharks as ruthless man-eaters, these fish usually make contact with humans out of curiosity rather than predation [source: Parker]. For example, when you’re thrashing around in the water or have reflective clothing or jewelry on, a shark may mistake you for a fellow fish or seal. Motivated by this curiosity, sharks frequently engage in hit-and-runs, where they take a bite (rarely lethal) and swim away [source: Florida Museum of Natural History]. This happens mostly in shallower depths.
The real danger comes with sneak attacks and bump-and-bites. You won’t have any warning signs for a shark sneak attack, hence the name [source: Florida Museum of Natural History]. With bump-and-bites, which often occur in deeper waters, sharks circle and run into you before going in for a bite.
If you notice a shark heading your way, it’s best not to play dead. Instead, swim away as quickly and quietly as possible before it takes a bite.
If you’re alone in the water, playing dead won’t help because sharks prefer more defenseless prey to conserve energy. If one bites, it’s time to fight. Hit a shark in the nose, eyes, and gills to stun and scare it away. Since blood will attract more sharks, find dry land as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of repeat attacks.
However, in a specific survival situation, playing dead might be your only option. We’ll discuss that on the next page.
Ways to Survive a Shark Attack: When Playing Dead Can Keep You Alive
Sharks may be attracted to boats or people in the water.
Brian J. Skerry/National Geographic/Getty Images
On July 30, 1945, during World War II, the U.S.S. Indianapolis sank in the Philippine Sea near Guam. Nearly 900 sailors were left stranded in the water for four days without help. Soon after the sinking, sharks began to attack many of them. When rescue arrived, only 316 people were still alive, though it’s unclear how many of those victims died from shark attacks.
In rare situations like this one, playing dead could work in your favor. If sharks are in a feeding frenzy around you, they may ignore you and continue biting others. It may sound inhumane not to fight off a swarm of sharks attacking dozens of people in the water, but it may be your only chance of survival.
Sharks possess a unique sense called electroreception that enables them to detect even the slightest changes in the electricity that passes through salt water. In rescue situations, sharks tend to pursue a wounded person rather than a rescuer as blood alters the surrounding electricity, thereby setting off the shark’s electroreception, which draws it back to the victim. It is advisable to avoid thrashing around in the water as it can attract sharks. In case you are surrounded by flailing and splashing people, it is best to float calmly and remain vigilant. Warning signs of an impending attack include a hunched back, lowered pectoral fins, and zigzagging motion. If a shark bites you, hit it back on its nose, gills, or eyes. If you have a chance to escape the water, do so as fast as you can. For more information about sharks and safety, visit the links provided.
FAQ
1. Is playing dead an effective way to survive a shark attack?
Playing dead is not an effective way to survive a shark attack. Sharks are attracted to the smell of blood and movement, and playing dead may actually encourage them to attack. Sharks are also known to bite multiple times, and playing dead may increase the likelihood of sustaining multiple injuries.
2. What should I do if I encounter a shark?
If you encounter a shark, stay calm and try to maintain eye contact while slowly backing away. Do not turn your back on the shark or swim away, as this may trigger an attack. If the shark begins to approach aggressively, use any nearby objects as a barrier between you and the shark.
3. Can pepper spray or other deterrents be effective against sharks?
Pepper spray and other deterrents have not been proven to be effective against sharks. In fact, some studies suggest that these deterrents may actually attract sharks rather than repel them. It is best to focus on prevention and avoidance rather than relying on a deterrent.
4. What are some ways to reduce the risk of a shark attack?
To reduce the risk of a shark attack, avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present, such as near fishing or feeding areas. Do not swim alone, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, as these may attract sharks. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any warning signs or alerts from local authorities.
5. Are all shark species dangerous to humans?
Not all shark species are dangerous to humans. In fact, only a small percentage of shark species have been known to attack humans. The most dangerous sharks are typically larger species such as great whites, tiger sharks, and bull sharks. However, even these species are not known to actively seek out humans as prey.
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