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DO MAKO SHARKS ATTACK PEOPLE? Mako sharks have been blamed for many attacks on people, but it’s unlikely that they will attack unless they feel threatened or have been provoked. Often, makos swim behind fishing boats to eat the

fish attracted to the fishermen’s bait. Sometimes, this causes mako sharks to inadvertently get caught, often leading to attacks on humans after the shark is reeled onto the boat. Sometimes, mako sharks manage to free themselves from nets and hooks, and then will jump on the boat to attack the fishermen on board. While mako sharks are not typically looking for humans to attack, they will lash out if they feel that they are in danger. In open water, mako sharks give many signs that they are about to attack. Typically, they swim in figure-eight patterns and approach their prey with their mouths open. It is extremely rare that a mako shark would ever attack a human unless they felt that their well-being was threatened. Remember, mako sharks rarely approach coastlines, as they prefer to swim in the open ocean. It’s unlikely that anyone swimming or surfing near the shore would ever encounter a mako shark. Mako shark attacks are almost always the result of the shark getting caught in a fishing net or fishing line. Mako sharks are also known to get defensive and aggressive if they feel that their prey is being threatened. They have been known to show violent behavior when fishing boats come near their half-eaten meals. Since makos are able to leap onto boats, it’s important for fishermen to steer clear of makos that may be hunting. SIDEBAR

Mako sharks prefer swimming in the deep ocean.

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