Shark Attacks In US Reaches New Record

According to the report, 53 people were attacked by sharks in the United States in 2012. One of the victims died.

White shark in San Francisco bites into sea lion bait. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Florida had the highest number of shark attacks at 26, followed by Hawaii (10), California and South Carolina (5), North Carolina (2) and Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Puerto Rico (1).

The one fatal shark attack occurred in California.

World wide however, deaths by shark attacks are down. In 2012 seven people were killed by sharks while in 2011 that number stood at 9. The average death toll by sharks from 2001 to 2010 was however even less with 4.4 individuals dying.

In total 80 shark attacks were reported world wide in 2012, which is more than in 2011 or any other year prior.