Work

When Competition Breaks the Rules: Feeding Frenzy as a Trigger for Unexpected Fatal Shark Predation Bites on a Human Sea‐User by Non Traumatogenic Carcharinids in the Oriental Mediterranean

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The fatal shark attack on a male tourist in Hadera (Oriental Mediterranean coast) in 2025 involved several Dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus), a species not considered to be traumatogenic to humans. Artificial provisioning in the area has resulted in habituation with behaviors including begging, potentially resulting in a bold shark displaying a first reflex/clumsiness bite targeting the camera held by the snorkeler, unintentionally wounding him. The sound and olfactory stimuli have likely triggered a feeding frenzy leading to multiple sharks engaging in predation bites. In this case study, extreme competition between individuals has probably overridden the non‐instinctive prey nature of the human victim.

Source: Ethology

DOI: 10.1111/eth.70013

Authors: Eric E. G. Clua, Kristian. J. Parton

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement, University of Exeter

Language: English

Topic: Ichthyology and Marine Biology

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,650

Funder: Béatrice Ederer-Weber Stiftung