Experts warn sharks swim closer to crowded beaches than previously thought

Sharks are commonly thought of as marine predators that prefer solitude in the open ocean to noisy beaches.

But that may not be the case.

Researchers at the University of Miami conducted a study that, contrary to our belief, showed that sharks do not quickly escape urbanized beaches.

Three species of sharks that have traveled the coast of Miami: bulls, nurses and great hammerheads. The team expected the creatures to avoid human influence, but vice versa, with bright lights, loud noises and underwater chemicals.

Neil Hammerslag, Director of Shark Research and Conservation at UM, said: Lead author of programs and research.

Some animals, such as pigeons and raccoons, roam the city.

The researchers call these creatures “urban exploiters” and note that they often become dependent on humans for food.

Other animals known as “urban converters” can use urban areas, but still rely heavily on natural regions. On the other hand, some species, such as wolves, are susceptible to human disease and are classified as “city avoidance”.

“Several studies have investigated the movement of marine predators associated with urbanization, but other studies have shown that terrestrial predators are urban predators, so we expected sharks to exist as well,” Hammerslag said.

The researchers have concluded that the behavior of tracked sharks is similar to that of urban adapters.

Studies have shown that sharks can be attracted to terrestrial activities, such as the dumping of fish carcasses.

Unfortunately, there are unavoidable problems caused by close contact between sharks and humans.

“By spending a lot of time on the high seas, sharks are exposed to toxic pollutants and fishing, which can affect their health and survival,” Hammerslag said.

Although shark bites are rare in humans, this study also points to areas close to shore that humans can avoid to reduce the likelihood of shark bites.