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Shark Attacks Surge Globally in 2025
18 Feb
Summary
- Global unprovoked shark attacks rose to 65 in 2025, up from 47 the prior year.
- Twelve human fatalities were recorded globally, a significant increase from seven in 2024.
- Florida's Volusia County remains the world's shark bite capital, though numbers decreased.
In 2025, the world experienced a notable rise in unprovoked shark attacks, with 65 incidents recorded globally, an increase from 47 in the prior year. This trend led to 12 human fatalities, a significant jump from the seven deaths reported in 2024. Australia reported five of these fatalities and 21 unprovoked bites, benefiting from advanced beach safety measures.
The United States recorded 25 unprovoked bites, with Florida's Volusia County again identified as the global shark bite capital, though its numbers saw a slight decline. California and Hawaii each reported four bites, while other US states had fewer incidents. Globally, species like great white, tiger, and bull sharks were responsible for most serious encounters.
Despite the increase in attacks, the report emphasizes that the long-term averages for shark bites and fatalities remain largely unchanged. It also notes that global shark populations are significantly below historical levels due to overfishing. For perspective, over 4,000 people drown annually in the US alone.
