Shark incidents in California 1950-2021; frequency and trends

Many reports have categorized the frequency, circumstances, and causes for interactions between sharks and humans, often using the behaviorally inaccurate term attack. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) instead uses the term incident, defined as interactions where a shark touches a person, their board, or kayak, without provocation and with or without causing injury. We created a comprehensive database of California shark incidents by reviewing, verifying, and updating past records, and examined the frequency of confirmed incidents, updated reports with new information, and examined similarities and differences in incident circumstances. Two hundred and one incidents were verified in California waters between 1950 and 2021, with 107 causing injury and 15 resulting in fatalities. The vast majority (178) involved White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Contrary to past reports of White Shark incidents being concentrated in a portion of northern California, incidents have occurred statewide, with some of the highest numbers in Southern California. While total reported incidents are increasing, the annual number of incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities remains low. Frequency of incidents was not found to be greater around the full moon, dawn, or dusk but was greater during summer and fall months, as expected.

Automated summary

Many reports have been conducted to categorize the frequency, circumstances, and causes of interactions between sharks and humans, using the inaccurate term "attack." In contrast, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife employs the term "incident" to describe interactions where sharks touch a person, their board, or kayak without provocation, with or without injury. This study created a comprehensive database of shark incidents in California, verifying and updating past records, examining the frequency of incidents, and comparing similarities and differences in circumstances. Between 1950 and 2021, 201 incidents were verified in California waters, with 107 causing injury and 15 resulting in fatalities. The majority of incidents involved White Sharks, contrary to previous reports of their concentration in northern California. Instead, incidents occurred throughout the state, with higher numbers in Southern California. Despite the overall increase in reported incidents, the number of incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities remains low. Incidents were found to be more frequent during the summer and fall months, but not significantly influenced by the full moon, dawn, or dusk.