There's a place off California's coast called the 'Red Triangle' where over 1/3 of great white shark attacks happen

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July 14, 2017 2:57 PM

It's a myth that great white sharks attack people due to poor eyesight.

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California's "Red Triangle" is infamous for shark attacks. Over 1/3 of great white shark attacks in the United States happen there.

There’s a stretch of ocean off California's coastline that's different from the rest. It starts around Bodega Bay; extends south to about 50 miles west of San Francisco; and ends in the Big Sur region. This area is infamous for shark attacks, but not just any shark: an estimated 38% of all great white shark attacks in the US happen here.

As a result, these waters bear the name "Red Triangle." The Red Triangle includes roughly 200 miles of coastline. But it’s not the beachgoers and surfers that attract great whites to these waters. It’s the rich population of other mammals like elephant seals, harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Great whites prefer to prey on these animals instead of humans.

However, that doesn’t stop the occasional encounter. Contrary to popular belief, great whites don’t mistake surfers for other prey due to poor eyesight — they have great vision. It actually comes down to their inquisitive nature. Great whites are notoriously curious and will taste test unfamiliar objects, including humans.

In fact, records indicate that great whites have attacked more humans around the world than any other shark. But before you swear off California beaches for the summer, remember that shark attacks are rare.

Each year, less than 100 attacks occur worldwide, and only about 5 to 15% of those prove fatal. You have a greater chance of dying from one of these animals, instead. Luckily, bug spray is available at the local drugstore.

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