Bull Shark attacks

264 attacks recorded
Bull shark attacks
Date Country Location Fatal?  
Jul 18th 1981 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Mar 25th 1981 USA Florida N Details
Jan 15th 1980 South Africa KZN N Details
Jun 28th 1977 USA Florida N Details
Jun 6th 1977 USA Texas N Details
Nov 25th 1976 USA Florida N Details
Sep 14th 1973 Bahamas Grand Bahama Island N Details
Jan 1st 1971 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan 23rd 1970 Mozambique Limpopo River N Details
Jan 23rd 1970 Mozambique Limpopo River N Details
Jan 23rd 1970 Mozambique Limpopo River N Details
Oct 13th 1968 USA Florida N Details
Feb 26th 1968 USA Florida N Details
Jan 11th 1966 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Apr 29th 1965 USA Florida N Details
Jul 16th 1964 South Africa KZN N Details
Dec 29th 1963 South Africa KZN N Details
Dec 20th 1963 South Africa KZN Y Details
Jan 6th 1963 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan-1963 Mozambique N Details
Apr 7th 1962 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan 18th 1962 South Africa KZN N Details
Dec 28th 1961 South Africa KZN N Details
Apr 21st 1961 Mozambique Gaza N Details
Apr 9th 1961 Mozambique Gaza Y Details
Mar 7th 1961 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan 5th 1961 Mozambique Limpopo River N Details
1960s Iraq Basrah N Details
1960s Iraq Basrah N Details
Dec 1st 1960 Australia Queensland N Details
Jan 16th 1960 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Aug-1957 USA Florida N Details
1957 USA Florida N Details
1957 Iran Karun River N Details
1957 Iran Karun River N Details
Before 1957 Nicaragua Lake Nicaragua (fresh water) Y Details
1955 USA Illinois N Details
1954 Iran Karun River Y Details
Apr-1953 Iran Karun River N Details
Apr-1953 Iran Karun River N Details
May 8th 1952 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Mar 30th 1952 Netherlands Antilles Curacao N Details
Aug 4th 1947 USA Florida Y Details
Jul 18th 1946 Iran Khuzestan Province N Details
1945 Iraq Basrah N Details
Mar 7th 1945 South Africa KZN N Details
Apr-1944 Nicaragua Lake Nicaragua (fresh water) N Details
Dec 26th 1942 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Jan 4th 1942 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Dec 7th 1941 South Atlantic Ocean N Details
Jun 17th 1938 Nicaragua Lower San Juan River Y Details
May 15th 1938 Iraq Basrah City N Details
Apr 10th 1933 USA Florida Y Details
Apr 9th 1918 Australia New South Wales N Details
Dec 23rd 1907 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Jan 10th 1903 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Nov 25th 1880 Australia Queensland Y Details
Jan 1st 1970 Australia Queensland N Details
Early Aug-2006 Reunion N Details
Early Sep-2000 Tanzania Y Details
Early Jun-2000 Tanzania Y Details
1954 (same day as 1954.00.00.f) Iran Karun River Y Details
1954 (same day as 1954.00.00.f) Iran Karun River N Details
1941-1942 Iraq Basrah Y Details
bull shark
Bull Shark

Bull shark attacks have garnered attention due to the species' unique ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments, bringing them into closer proximity with humans. Scientifically known as Carcharhinus leucas, bull sharks are formidable predators found in warm coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries around the world. Responsible for a large proportion of shark attacks globally, bull sharks are considered one of the most dangerous species due to their aggressive behavior and preference for shallower waters.

Bull shark attacks on humans have occurred in various regions, including hundreds of miles inland from the ocean. The aggressive nature of bull sharks, coupled with their territorial tendencies, increases the likelihood of accidental encounters with swimmers, surfers, and fishermen. 

Though the number of bull shark attacks is still very small, their powerful bites and tenacity can result in serious injuries. Factors contributing to bull shark attacks include murky water conditions, proximity to estuarine environments, and the presence of baitfish or other potential prey. It is essential for individuals in known bull shark habitats to exercise caution and adhere to local safety guidelines.

Efforts in understanding and mitigating bull shark-human interactions include public awareness campaigns, improved monitoring, and research initiatives. While the risk of a bull shark attack remains relatively low, fostering a coexistence with these apex predators involves respecting their habitats and adopting precautionary measures to minimize potential encounters and enhance safety for both humans and sharks alike.

Attacks by country

  • USA (91)
  • AUSTRALIA (47)
  • SOUTH AFRICA (22)
  • REUNION (17)
  • BAHAMAS (15)
  • MOZAMBIQUE (10)
  • IRAN (10)
  • NEW CALEDONIA (9)
  • BRAZIL (9)
  • IRAQ (5)