Quck answer
Gouging out a shark’s eyes is not a reliable way to survive a shark attack. Sharks have other senses, such as their sense of smell and electroreception, that they can use to locate prey. Additionally, trying to gouge out a shark’s eyes can be difficult and dangerous, as sharks have tough skin and can thrash around violently. The best way to avoid a shark attack is to avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to frequent, and to be aware of your surroundings while in the water. If you do encounter a shark, try to remain calm and slowly back away while facing the shark.
Wild Animals
The great white shark’s jaws are a sight to behold. See more shark pictures.
Caroline Warren/Getty Images
Ah, the beach! A place of sandy refuge where people lounge, wearing little more than cocktail napkins. We flock to these warm havens to soak in the sun, read trashy novels, and eat piles of cheese curls and chocolate chip cookies without a care in the world. That is, until we step into the water.
Sharks are the ultimate party poopers on beaches around the world. Once we step off of dry land, we must keep a watchful eye out for nipping crabs, stinging jellyfish, and of course, the telltale fins protruding from the water’s surface. Almost everyone has at least a mild case of selacophobia, or an abnormal fear of sharks. Fretting over the possibility of a silent approach and swift attack is probably one of the greatest downers from our fun in the sun.
Shark attacks happen in the waters off every continent except Antarctica, with the U.S. topping the list. Nevertheless, the odds of being a shark attack victim are incredibly slim, but it happens. Every year, the International Shark Attack File compiles reported human-shark incidents around the globe. In 2019, it recorded 64 unprovoked attacks, 41 provoked attacks, and 12 boat attacks; five of those attacks were fatal [source: International Shark Attack File].
Let’s say you’re one of the select few that a shark spots in the water and decides to sample. Do people have any hope against the highest link in the aquatic food chain? In a majority of cases, the answer is yes.
Most shark attack victims will survive the encounter [source: Parker]. Reasons could be that a shark approached and decided not to pursue, it took a bite and left, or the person was able to physically fend it off.
In the event you come to blows with a shark, where should you hit or kick it? And are there other things you should do before giving a shark a knuckle sandwich? Find out on the next page.
Striking Sharks’ Eyes and Noses
A shark’s eyes and nose are the most sensitive parts of its body.
Jeff Rotman/Getty Images
So, when a shark attacks, do you fight back? Generally, you want to escape quickly and quietly before a shark makes contact. If you can’t swim to safety and the shark bites, it’s time for the gloves to come off. When possible, hit it with something other than your hands or feet (like a fishing pole or a stick) because you risk losing a limb. Showing aggression like this will help you escape because a shark will often not want to pursue prey if it must spend a ton of energy wrestling it [source: National Geographic Survivor].
Many shark attack resources recommend going for the eyes and the gills because these are the most sensitive parts of a shark’s body. By striking the eyes, you aren’t trying to blind it but rather stun the shark into swimming away.
When facing a shark, it may be too difficult to focus and strike at its eyes. Additionally, getting close to a shark’s mouth could result in getting bitten. Instead, experts suggest hitting the shark’s nose, which can disrupt their unique sense of electrical receptors and cause them to halt mid-motion. After fending off a shark, it’s important to swim away quickly without splashing to avoid attracting the shark back for a second attack. Despite the fear of a shark attack, the odds of receiving minor injuries are in the victim’s favor. For more information on sharks and ocean safety, check out the provided links.
FAQ
1. Is it true that gouging out a shark’s eyes can help me survive a shark attack?
While it’s true that sharks use their eyes to locate prey, gouging out their eyes is not a guaranteed method of surviving a shark attack. Sharks are equipped with other senses, such as their sense of smell and electroreception, which they use to locate prey. In addition, a shark’s eyes are located on the sides of their head, so it may be difficult to hit them accurately during an attack.
2. What should I do if I encounter a shark?
If you encounter a shark, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Avoid making sudden movements or splashing, as this can attract the shark’s attention. Try to back away slowly, while maintaining eye contact with the shark. If the shark charges at you, try to defend yourself by hitting its nose or eyes.
3. What are some other ways to defend myself against a shark attack?
Other ways to defend yourself against a shark attack include using a spear or other sharp object to strike the shark, using a knife to cut any ropes or nets that may be tangled around you, or using a shark repellent device.
4. How common are shark attacks?
Shark attacks are relatively rare, with only about 80 unprovoked attacks reported worldwide each year. However, the risk of a shark attack increases in areas where people swim or surf in the same waters as sharks.
5. What types of sharks are most likely to attack humans?
The most common types of sharks involved in attacks on humans are the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark. However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of sharks are not a threat to humans.
6. Can wearing jewelry or bright colors attract sharks?
There is no evidence to suggest that wearing jewelry or bright colors attracts sharks. However, it is recommended that swimmers and surfers avoid wearing shiny objects or jewelry that may resemble fish scales, as this could potentially attract sharks.
7. Are sharks more likely to attack at certain times of day?
There is no evidence to suggest that sharks are more likely to attack at certain times of day. However, some species of sharks may be more active at dawn and dusk, so it’s recommended that swimmers and surfers avoid these times of day.
8. Can playing dead help me survive a shark attack?
Playing dead is not an effective method of surviving a shark attack. Sharks are not scavengers, and are more likely to attack prey that is moving or struggling. If you are attacked by a shark, it’s important to fight back and try to defend yourself.
9. Can swimming in groups help prevent shark attacks?
Swimming in groups may help prevent shark attacks, as sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals. Additionally, swimming in areas with lifeguards and following posted warning signs can help reduce the risk of a shark attack.
10. Are there any natural remedies for treating shark bites?
There are no natural remedies for treating shark bites. If you are bitten by a shark, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Apply pressure to the wound and try to stop any bleeding. Do not use tourniquets or try to suck out the venom, as this can do more harm than good.
11. Can I swim in the ocean without fear of shark attacks?
While the risk of a shark attack is relatively low, it’s important to be aware of the potential danger when swimming in the ocean. Follow posted warning signs and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present. If you do encounter a shark, remain calm and try to defend yourself using the techniques mentioned above.
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