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Shark attacks around the world declined in 2003 for a third straight year, partly because swimmers and surfers grew more accustomed to thinking of the ocean as a wild and dangerous place, and possibly also because of a decline in the global shark population.
The University of Florida, which houses the International Shark Attack File, said Tuesday that 55 unprovoked attacks occurred worldwide, down from 63 reported in 2002 and lower than the previous year’s 68.
Four people were killed, compared to three in 2002, four in 2001 and 11 in the year 2000.
“I think people are beginning to get a little more intelligent about when and where they enter the water,” said George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File.
