What Triggers a Shark Feeding Frenzy?

Quck answer

A shark feeding frenzy can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the main reasons is an abundance of prey, such as a large school of fish or a pod of seals. A drop of blood or the scent of a wounded animal can also trigger a frenzy, as sharks have a keen sense of smell. Additionally, competition among the sharks for food can escalate the frenzy. In some cases, human activity such as fishing or chumming can attract sharks and lead to a feeding frenzy. It is important to remember that sharks are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect.

Wild Animals

It can get intense when everyone is hungry.
Pete Atkinson/Photographer’s Choice/Getty Images

It all starts with one person discovering the box of doughnuts in the break room. The happy news spreads, and soon, everyone is competing for the last doughnut. This kind of competition for food is not exclusive to humans; animals, including sharks, can also experience a feeding frenzy. The term “feeding frenzy” was first used to describe sharks in a book called “Shark Attack” by V.M. Coppleson in 1958. In this article, we will explore what triggers a feeding frenzy in sharks.

Sharks are solitary creatures, and a feeding frenzy indicates the opposite. The behavior can be quite aggressive, with sharks attacking anything in their way. The frenzy can cause sharks to eat each other and continue feeding even after being disemboweled. But what causes this behavior? Some studies suggest that sharks will always be motivated to eat, no matter how full they are. However, this does not necessarily mean that a feeding frenzy could happen at any time. So, what triggers this behavior?

Causes of Shark Feeding Frenzy

Time to eat.
Tui De Roy/Minden Pictures/Getty Images

Feeding frenzies are rare events caused by a “supernormal stimulus.” This stimulus could be a high amount of stress in the water, as observed in shallow waters where seabirds, seals, and sea lions congregate. Sharks can sense distressed prey, responding to the scent of injured fish and the sounds of a wounded person thrashing in the water. When more than one shark shows up to take advantage of this misfortune, things can get crazy.

In conclusion, while sharks may always be motivated to eat, a feeding frenzy is not a common occurrence. Instead, it is triggered by a specific set of circumstances that create a supernormal stimulus. Understanding what causes a feeding frenzy in sharks can help promote a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and their behavior.

It should be noted that even during a feeding frenzy, many species maintain a sense of order. For instance, the Caribbean reef shark exhibits a quasi pecking order, while the whitetip reef shark appears to behave somewhat orderly despite the chaotic bloodbath. However, multiple sharks feeding on the same prey can result in accidental biting. Feeding frenzies usually occur near fishing boats, where the struggling fish and the chemicals they emit attract sharks. The scent of blood arouses sharks, making them believe they have found an easy meal. However, the arrival of more than one shark causes competition, leading to a frenzy. In case of a shipwreck, sharks might be attracted to panicking humans who splash around in the water. During World Wars I and II, the oceanic whitetip shark was believed to have caused many feeding frenzies during maritime disasters. While humans are not typically on the shark’s menu, shark feeding dives, where chum is used to attract sharks, have led to an increase in feeding frenzies. The U.S. National Park Service discourages feeding wild animals, as it alters their feeding habits and behaviors. Artificial feeding defeats the purpose of observing sharks in their natural state and might lead sharks to associate humans with food. The cause of feeding frenzies is still unclear, but it could be a method of establishing dominance. Regardless, feeding frenzies make sharks both fearsome and fascinating.

Additional Information

Related Articles on HowStuffWorks

• Understanding Sharks
• How Shark Attacks Occur
• Top 10 Stories of Shark Attacks
• Senses of Sharks
• Why Do People Collect Shark Teeth?
• Birth of Shark Pups
• The Great White Shark
• The Tiger Shark
• The Bull Shark
• The Nurse Shark
• 15 Tips to Survive a Shark Attack
• Can Shark Cartilage Help Cure Cancer?

More Useful Links

• International Shark Attack File
• Shark Research Institute
• MarineBio.org
• Sharks (Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department)

Sources

• Alevizon, William. “The Florida Fish-Feeding Frenzy: Background, Issues, and a Wake-Up Call.” Cyber Diver News Network. (May 11, 2008)http://www.cdnn.info/news/editorial/o020112a.html
• Allen, Thomas B. “Shark Protection: Why Do Sharks Attack?” Gorp. (May 12, 2008)http://gorp.away.com/gorp/publishers/lyonspress/shark_attacks.htm
• Auerbach, Paul S. “Shark Attacks.” Newsletter of the International Society of Travel Medicine. March-April 2002. (May 12, 2008)http://www.istm.org/publications/news_share/200203/shark.aspx
• Bester, Cathleen. “Oceanic Whitetip Shark.” Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department. (May 13, 2008)http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/Descript/OceanicWT/OceanicWT.html
• Dehart, Andy. Personal Correspondence. July 17, 2008.
• Carrier, Jeffrey C. “Shark.” Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. 2007. (May 12, 2008)http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761552860/Shark.html
• “Feeding frenzy: When sharks attack.” BBC News E-cyclopedia. Jan. 30, 2001. (May 12, 2008)http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/02/99/e-cyclopedia/1142956.stm
• Leniuk, Darryl. “Front row at a feeding frenzy.” The Globe and Mail. Nov. 12, 2005. (May 12, 2008)http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20051112.SHARK12/TPStory/specialTravel
• Martin, R. Aidan. “Do Sharks Feel Pain?” ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. (May 12, 2008)http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/topics/s_pain.htm
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FAQ

1. What is a shark feeding frenzy?

A shark feeding frenzy is when a large group of sharks gather to feed on a large amount of prey, such as a school of fish or a whale carcass.

2. What causes a feeding frenzy?

A feeding frenzy can be caused by a variety of factors, including an abundance of prey, an increase in water temperature, or the presence of blood or other scents in the water.

3. How do sharks communicate during a feeding frenzy?

Sharks communicate during a feeding frenzy through a variety of methods, including sight, smell, and sound. They may use body language to signal to other sharks that it is time to feed, or they may release pheromones into the water to attract other sharks to the area.

4. Why do sharks attack humans during a feeding frenzy?

Sharks typically do not attack humans during a feeding frenzy, as they are focused on the prey in the area. However, if a human were to accidentally enter the area, they may be mistaken for prey and attacked.

5. What is the most common type of shark involved in a feeding frenzy?

The most common type of shark involved in a feeding frenzy is the great white shark, due to its large size and predatory behavior.

6. How long can a feeding frenzy last?

A feeding frenzy can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of prey available and the number of sharks in the area.

7. What is the danger of a feeding frenzy to other marine life?

A feeding frenzy can be dangerous to other marine life in the area, as the sharks may attack and consume anything in their path. This can lead to a decrease in the overall population of fish and other marine animals.

8. Can a feeding frenzy be prevented?

A feeding frenzy cannot be prevented, as it is a natural behavior for sharks. However, humans can avoid entering the area during a feeding frenzy to avoid potential danger.

9. How do scientists study feeding frenzies?

Scientists study feeding frenzies by observing them from a distance, using underwater cameras and other equipment to record the behavior of the sharks and the prey. They may also collect samples of the water and the prey to analyze in the lab.

10. Are feeding frenzies common?

Feeding frenzies are relatively rare, as they require a specific set of circumstances to occur. However, they do occur in various parts of the world and are a natural part of the ecosystem.

11. Can humans safely observe a feeding frenzy?

It is not recommended for humans to observe a feeding frenzy up close, as it can be dangerous and unpredictable. However, some tour companies offer guided tours to observe feeding frenzies from a safe distance.

12. How can we protect sharks and their prey from the effects of overfishing?

We can protect sharks and their prey from the effects of overfishing by implementing sustainable fishing practices, reducing the amount of plastic and other pollutants in the ocean, and supporting conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems.