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Scientific Research Details How The Migration Of Adult Females And The Biology Of The Species Increase Bite Reports In Hawaii, Alerting Surfers And Swimmers About The Seasonal Risks Of Solitary Activities
The phenomenon “Sharktober” describes the sudden increase in shark attacks along the west coast of the United States near the month of October.
In Hawaii, about 20% of bites occurred in October over a 30-year period, according to the University of Hawaii in Manoa.
This frequency recorded in October is two to four times higher than at any other time of the year in the American state.
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Causes Of The Seasonal Phenomenon
The research published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science suggests that the reproductive cycle of tiger sharks explains this seasonal trend of attacks.
Tiger sharks are responsible for 47% of all 165 bites recorded in October, as indicated by the study from the University of Hawaii.
Scientist Carl Meyer analyzed the occurrence patterns between the years 1995 and 2024 to understand the population peak of the species.
The migration of adult females from the northwest Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands coincides exactly with the month of October in the region.
Behavior Of The Tiger Species
These animals have dark vertical stripes and reach lengths of 3 to 4.3 meters, weighing over 385 kilograms each.
The bite of this species is extremely powerful and adapted to crush the shells of turtles and bones, as detailed in Carl Meyer’s research.
The increase in October appears to be driven by the biology of the animals and not by changes in human ocean use, says Meyer.
Females actively seek food to replenish energy reserves due to gestation and postpartum periods, according to Live Science.
Reproductive Dynamics Of Sharks And Risks
Puppy eggs hatch inside the mothers’ bodies, requiring them to seek preferred prey to sustain the biological cycle during the indicated period.
Attacks do not occur for the protection of the pups, as the young sharks are independent and avoid larger predators in shallower coastal areas.
Carl Meyer explains that female tiger sharks may even eat their own pups, which remain isolated to ensure individual survival in nature.
The risk of being bitten remains low, but the study aims to raise awareness among visitors about high-risk solitary activities, such as surfing or swimming.
Trends And Global Data
The increase in bites in Hawaii aligns with a global trend of rising reports observed in Australia and other U.S. states recently.
Caution should be increased for residents using coastal areas during the month of October, although the alarm is not a reason for panic.
The study data serves to educate the public about the behavior of these marine animals in a way that is safe and informative for everyone.
The reproductive biology and the availability of prey explain the higher concentration of tiger sharks near the beaches of Hawaii during the American autumn.
With information from Galileu Magazine.
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