What attracts sharks? Which are most dangerous?
Considerable research has been devoted to finding out what stimuli attract sharks and incite them to attack. Results are mostly inconclusive, but some general principles have been advanced: Certain types of irregular sounds – like those made by a swimmer in trouble or a damaged fish – seem to attract sharks from great distances. Sound, rather than sight or smell, seems to be a shark’s primary cue for moving into an area. Some scientific experiments indicate that sharks can distinguish light colors from dark, and that they may even be able to distinguish colors.
