Why Do Sharks Bite? We May Have An Answer

Why do Sharks bite? This question has troubled people and scientists for a long time. Now, a new research released on Thursday may have a possible answer.

The new research reveals that Tiger sharks are favourable to waters near Maui, close to some of Hawaii's most celebrated beaches.

This could be the possible explanation for the higher number of shark bites in water bodies Maui and other Hawaii islands, according to Carl Meyer, the assistant researcher at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and the principal investigator on the report.

Meyer, however, stressed on the fact the point that sharks are not fond of biting people. More shark bites are occurring because of the significant growth in the population of humans, which results in more people coming to the ocean.

The two-year study was commissioned by the state of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources after community concerns were raised from an increase in shark attacks off Maui in the year 2012 and 2013. The researchers spotted tiger sharks off Maui and Oaho, tagged them, and studied them as the swam around the islands and the ocean.

The state officials say that people need to be aware while entering the ocean.

Swimming in the ocean is swimming in what amounts to a wilderness environment.

"Sharks are part of this environment," said Bruce Anderson, administrator of the state Division of Aquatic Resources according to ABC13. "We have to accept that they're there and take precautions to avoid encounters, which are going to occur from time to time."

He also said that in response to the study, the state will try to enhance its educational awareness. He requested people to stay away from the ocean, provided that the water is murky. He suggested avoiding areas near a stream where there's a possibility of dead animals being washed out, thus attracting sharks. Swimming in groups help, he added.

The number of attacks in Maui in 2012 were six,; the number increased to eight in 2013, and dropped to five and one in 2014 and 2015 respectively.