Shark attack patterns

Most people such as divers, snorkelers, surfers, surf life savers, divers and fishermen accept that there is a risk of being bitten by a shark every time they go in the water. Sure the chances may be 1 in a million of being bitten but they are still aware that it is the risk they take. And they will still choose to go do their chosen activities (whether for work or recreation) in what is essentially the shark's dinner bowl knowing that risk is there.

What is perhaps more telling is that when there is an attack the family of the person or persons bitten nearly always say that their son/daughter/husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/mentor/best friend or whatever knew those risks of going in the ocean and did it any way because what they were doing at their time was something they loved doing. They also nearly always say that they don't want the shark to be culled. (Which I personally think is fantastic considering that sharks have been around for millions of years and actually descended from dinosaurs.)

However when reading about shark attacks (both in Australia and around the world) there are a few similarities that keep cropping up in a lot of the attack stories. There are also some things that go against what experts say in relation to reducing the risk of making yourself a target as a shark chew toy.

Some of these similarities are what locals call "perfect shark conditions" which are commonly noted as dark, stormy or overcast skies as well as food source activity in the near vicinity where the attack takes place such as seals, whales, dolphins or large schools of fish. Other things that have been noted is swimming, surfing or body boarding alone at dusk or dawn- both of which are natural shark feeding times.

-Experts have always suggested that swimming in groups reduces your risks of being bitten. But this doesn't always work. The following excerpt and link is from one of the news stories that followed the death of 21 year old body boarder and surfer who was bitten at the popular surf spot the Boneyards.

""There was another 20 people in the water as well," Mr McLeay said."
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/shark-attack-claims-life-at-bunker-bay/story-e6frg14u-1226129165960