Separating Facts from Fiction in Tiger Shark Behavior
Tiger sharks, along with bull and white sharks, are one of the three species that have been documented as the most dangerous to humans. When it comes to tiger sharks attacking humans, these events are relatively rare.
Tiger sharks are known to eat a wide variety of prey, from fish and birds to seals, squids, and dolphins. It also has a reputation as a garbage eater, as many man-made inedible objects have been found in its stomach.
However, with a low repopulation rate, tiger sharks need to be protected. What’s more, they are hunted for their fins, skin, and flesh.
In this article, we will look at the physical characteristics of tiger sharks, where they live, what they eat, and how their existence is threatened.
Characteristics and Behavior
The tiger shark belongs to the genus Galeocerdo cuvier and is named for the dark gray vertical stripes on its sides. This is more evident in younger sharks but fades as they mature. Females are larger than males and a fully grown shark can measure between 10 and 16 feet, with the largest specimens attaining 18 feet in length and weighing up to 2000 pounds (twice as much as a horse).
They have a strong head with large eyes and a blunt snout. The upper body is stout but recedes from the abdomen onwards to the tail. The teeth are serrated and sharp.
Tiger sharks hunt alone, usually at night. Since they often visit reefs and shallow waters between dusk and dawn, they pose a threat to humans. It is best to avoid swimming alone at these times. They are opportunistic and will investigate anything that might look or sound like prey. The jaws have a strong grip and these sharks are known to shake their prey. How do they know whether something is food? By taking a bite. Their slow metabolism enables them to go for long periods of time without food.
Habitat and Distribution: Where Do Tiger Sharks Live?
Tiger sharks prefer to live in temperate and tropical climates. They are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and also along the coast of Africa, South America and North America. They move from tropical to temperate waters and back again during the year. Tiger sharks love to inhabit tropical areas and coral reefs, where there is an abundance of food. They like to live in murky waters, where their keen eyesight and acute sense of smell helps them hunt for food. Tiger sharks are known to travel across vast areas for food, as many as 30 to 40 miles in some instances.
Diet and Feeding Habits: What Do Tiger Sharks Eat?
While they can eat almost anything, they prefer to feed on sea animals with a high protein and fat content, such as sea turtles, sea snakes, fish and other marine mammals. Their rapid digestion system can allow them to eat carrion without any adverse effects.
Did you know? Tiger sharks can crunch through the tough scales and shells of sea turtles. They have the unique ability to regurgitate the indigestible shells by physically inverting their stomachs, making room for their next big meal!
Sharks do not normally consider humans as prey. However, since tiger sharks are known to visit coastal areas and coral reefs, this makes it dangerous for humans to be in the water. It is best to avoid locations frequented by tiger sharks. Quite possibly a swimmer is mistaken for some other sea creature. You’d do well to avoid swimming near dawn or dusk, since tiger sharks are known to hunt during these times.
Tiger sharks have an important place at the top of the marine food chain. Since they eat a variety of sea creatures, they control the spread of these populations and reduce the burden on the marine system. If certain species were allowed to overpopulate, they could exhaust the resources (such as food and habitat spaces) within the ecosystem, leading to imbalances that can affect many different species. They also clean out ocean garbage by eating sick and diseased creatures.
The orca or killer whale is the only natural predator of the tiger shark. However, the tiger shark population is dwindling all over the world due to overfishing. There are efforts to conserve tiger sharks so that the balance of marine life can be preserved.
Tiger Shark Attacks: Assessing the Danger to Humans
Let’s compare shark attacks on humans by species. Records show that there have been 142 total attacks on humans by tiger sharks, of which 39 have been fatal, while 103 victims survived. In contrast, attacks by great white sharks numbered 351 in sum, with 59 deaths and 292 shark bites. Bull sharks have been involved in 119 attacks, resulting in 26 deaths and 93 survivors. These statistics show that the great white shark’s reputation as a more fearsome predator is well deserved.
A tiger shark may be attracted to a swimmer when it is hungry and will come closer to investigate. It could mistake the human for another animal. There were a total of 22 provoked bites and 69 unprovoked bites by sharks worldwide recorded in 2023.
Conservation Status: The Impact of Humans on Tiger Sharks
Now that we’ve evaluated the threat tiger sharks pose to humans, let’s shift our perspective and consider the situation from the opposite viewpoint. Tiger sharks are far less a threat to humans than the other way round. These creatures are hunted for their skins, fins and flesh. Fin soup is a popular delicacy in some parts of the world. Sharks also have an abundance of Vitamin A in their liver, from which oil is made. Small sharks are caught in fishing nets, hindering the continuation of the species.
The deterioration of reefs and coastal areas reduces their natural habitat and feeding grounds. Furthermore, they only give birth every 2 to 3 years, making the tiger shark population particularly vulnerable to overfishing and environmental pressures.
Safety and Prevention: Minimizing Risks in Tiger Shark Territories
If you are swimming in areas known to be frequented by sharks, use the following precautions:
Don’t wear bright clothing, since sharks are attracted to light colors.
Wear a mask and fins when in the water so you can see what’s around you.
Don’t splash and swim away from them, face them. By facing the shark, humans do not fit the usual profile of prey, which can discourage the shark from approaching closer.
If a shark has been spotted, swim slowly away without panicking.
Be aware of shark behavior patterns in areas where you are swimming, and ask lifeguards and local tour operators for recommendations.
Conclusion
We hope you’ll keep learning about tiger sharks and their behavior. Gaining and sharing knowledge about sharks not only enhances our safety but also diminishes the fear surrounding these often misunderstood creatures.
