Are These Powerful Predators a Threat to Humans?

Mako sharks are some of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. These predatory sharks hunt for a variety of foods, including fish, squid, other sharks, sea turtles, and even porpoises. But are they a threat to humans? Let’s take a look.

Shark Attacks Are Rare, Despite the Media Hype

You are much more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark. When you look at the odds, there is a 1 in 500,000 chance of being struck by lightning. Being attacked by a shark is much rarer. It’s a 1 in 3.75 million chance. Sharks, for the most part, want nothing to do with humans. Even apex predators that prowl for sea lions and seals generally steer clear of humans. But when an attack does happen, it can be frightening and deadly.

The Florida Museum of Natural History keeps an International Shark Attack File. This database tracks unprovoked reported shark attacks, both fatal and nonfatal, dating back to the 1500s. According to the database, there have been 949 shark attacks worldwide. Out of those 949 attacks, 142 were fatal.

The data is as complete as possible, but many shark attacks have gone unreported. Additionally, it is often difficult to determine the exact species involved in an attack. Larger, easily identifiable sharks are more likely to be named, while smaller species that look similar may go unidentified. The three sharks that top the list are well-known: great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull sharks.

However, according to the data, mako sharks have been responsible for 10 unprovoked attacks and one fatality. And that’s dating back to the 1500s.

Shortfin Mako Sharks Versus Longfin Mako Sharks

When you hear about mako shark attacks, it’s the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) that people are referring to. The International Shark Attack File has no data on a longfin mako (Isurus paucus) ever attacking a human. Out of the 17 mako attacks, eight of them are unidentified in the Isurus family, but experts believe they were most likely shortfin makos.

Longfin makos are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. They are large predatory sharks that reach about 14 feet long. They prefer to swim in tropical to temperate oceans and mainly eat squids and fish. Scientists don’t know much about these elusive sharks, but we do know that longfin makos tend to be slower and less active than their shortfin relatives.

Are Shortfin Makos a Threat to Humans?

Shortfin makos have a mouth full of sharp, curved teeth that can be seen even when they close their mouths. They are large sharks, and average around six to seven feet, although they have been known to grow up to 12 feet long.

Despite the relatively few mako shark attacks throughout history, it is wise to keep a safe distance when you encounter a shortfin mako. Shortfin makos are incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 46 miles per hour. They typically swim in the open ocean and are rarely encountered by swimmers near the shore. However, they have been known to attack boats.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), makos are sometimes known to attack boats. However, the DFO does point out that most of the attacks and injuries have been known to happen when a shortfin mako is hooked by an angler and landed on their boat, which would certainly be considered a provoked attack.

Juvenile Makos Live in Coastal Waters

Although swimmers along the shore probably won’t run into an adult shortfin mako, they may see younger members of the species. Juvenile shortfin makos can be found living along the coast in shark nurseries where they forage for food before moving to the open ocean when they become adults.

Humans Are More Dangerous to Mako Sharks Than They Are to Us

Shortfin makos have a scary reputation as predators because they are unique in that they are partially warm-blooded sharks. They use this advantage to give them speed and bursts of energy while hunting their prey. They are even known to leap out of the water to attack their prey or lunge from below. Shortfin makos are fearsome predators when attacking bony fish, large tuna, squid, and even larger sea mammals like seals and sea lions. Their sharp teeth can even break through a sea turtle’s hard shell. When divers encounter these predatory sharks, they report that makos often swim in figure-eight patterns and may charge with their mouths open. If a mako shark is headed your way, your best bet is to move out of its path quickly.

It’s wise for divers, boaters, and swimmers to keep a safe distance from shortfin mako sharks. They are powerful and can be aggressive, especially when provoked. And yet, the reality is, overall, humans are more of a danger to shortfin mako sharks than the sharks are to us.

Shortfin mako sharks are an incredibly popular catch for sports anglers. However, overfishing has led governments to regulate caps and retention bans on fishing shortfin makos to allow the population to recover. It can be a difficult species to recover quickly, as the shortfin mako’s entire reproductive cycle takes three years.