Ep 4. The Shark Bite State

When Sharks Attack season 5 episode 4, titled "The Shark Bite State," delves into the escalating shark attacks that have been happening in Florida. The episode follows the stories of multiple people who have been attacked by sharks in various parts of the state.

The episode begins with a recounting of the first fatal shark attack in Florida during the summer of 2000. Since then, Florida has been the state with the highest number of shark attacks in the country. Scientists and experts believe there are several reasons for this, including Florida's large coastline, warm waters, and abundant marine life.

The first story we hear is that of a surfer who was attacked by a bull shark while surfing in waters off of Florida's Atlantic coast. He describes feeling a tug on his foot and thinking it was just his leash, but soon realizing that he was being attacked by a shark. He manages to fight it off and swim to shore, where he is rushed to the hospital.

Next, we hear from a couple who were snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico when they were suddenly surrounded by a group of sharks. They manage to keep the sharks at bay using a spear gun, but one of them is still bitten on the leg. They attribute the attack to the fact that they were near a fishing spot where fishermen had been chumming the water.

The episode also includes interviews with local fishermen and beachgoers, who share their experiences with sharks in Florida waters. Some argue that the increase in attacks is due to overfishing, which is causing sharks to come closer to shore in search of food. Others believe that the rise in shark-based tourism, with activities like cage diving and shark tagging, is also contributing to the increase in attacks.

Throughout the episode, experts offer insight into how to stay safe in Florida waters. They stress the importance of avoiding areas where sharks are known to feed, like fishing spots, and suggest using shark deterrents like electronic devices and special wetsuits. They also discuss the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and avoiding swimming alone.

As the episode comes to a close, we hear from a man who lost his arm in a shark attack while swimming in Florida. He describes how the experience led him to become an advocate for shark conservation, and how he now works to educate people on the importance of coexisting with sharks in their natural habitats.

Overall, "The Shark Bite State" is a sobering look at the realities of shark attacks in Florida. It offers a range of perspectives on the issue, from those who have been directly impacted by attacks to experts who study shark behavior. It also offers practical tips and advice for staying safe in Florida's waters, while promoting the need for shark conservation efforts.