Unprovoked shark attacks up sharply in 2025, with 12 human deaths worldwide

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Richard Luscombe in MiamiFebruary 18, 2026 at 03:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A report by the International Shark Attack File revealed a significant increase in unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2025, with 65 incidents compared to 47 in 2024. The report, released on Wednesday, documented 12 human fatalities globally, nearly double the previous year's seven, potentially due to increased great white shark activity near popular beaches. While global patterns remain relatively stable over longer periods, regional incidents fluctuate considerably. Australia experienced 21 unprovoked bites and five fatalities, while the US led in total attacks with 25, including one fatality in California. Florida continued to have the most unprovoked attacks in the US.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

California 40% Santa Cruz 40% Crowdy Bay 50% New South Wales 50% University of Florida 60% Erica Fox 60% Florida ×270% Florida Program for Shark Research 70% Gavin Naylor ×270% International Shark Attack File 70% United States ×280% Australia ×390%

Keywords

shark attacks 100% unprovoked attacks 90% human fatalities 80% shark bites 70% australia 60% beach safety 60% great white sharks 50% florida 50% international shark attack file 40%