Tiger Sharks Still Unafraid Even in Hurricane Season, Says New Study

If there is one more reason to stay out of the water this hurricane season, then it is the fact that at least some sharks won't have trouble staying away even if you get tossed overboard.

At least this was discovered by a study on tiger shark activity when Hurricane Matthew struck Little Bahama Bank back in 2016. 

Tiger sharks are proven post-hurricane scavengers

(Photo : Photo by COEX Aquarium via Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JANUARY 29: In this handout photo released by the COEX Aquarium, Sand tiger shark with a Banded hound shark in its mouth at COEX Aquarium on January 29, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.

Using tracking devices placed on the resident shark population, researchers monitored their activity as the storm passed right through the area. And while they observed other shark species fleeing stormy waters in other storms, the same could not have been said for the tiger sharks.

In fact, the relentless predators had a notably higher presence in the aftermath. This led the research team to further speculate that these sharks must have been expecting to scavenge a free meal from floating victims caught in the hurricane.

It is a lesser-known fact that hurricanes can be just as devastating for life underwater as it is on land. Storms have been known to stir up powerful currents that could batter most fish. They have even been known to deplete oxygen in the water (thereby creating dead zones).

The results have aligned with similar studies on the hurricane behavior of large predatory sharks. Built to withstand powerful currents and pursue fast-moving prey, species like the tiger shark also have the endurance to withstand the cold temperatures that would further weaken other animals (especially humans).

Also read: Great Whites in California Now Reaching Healthier Numbers

Sharks' hurricane behavior a deep concern

Such studies have caused a bit of a conundrum when it comes to understanding climate change's impact on large shark populations. While the tiger shark is listed as near threatened, the fact remains these predators appear to thrive on post-hurricane carnage.

Meanwhile, while other species tend to also flee from storms, that has not stopped them from essentially being dislocated and making prey out of other endangered species in vulnerable ecosystems.

This boils down to the simple yet dangerous fact that sharks are not picky eaters. They may have a preference for certain types of prey (such as seals), but increasing hunger will be enough to make them eat just about anything (whether that be whale carcasses, humans or even other sharks).

In short, man-made climate change could see a large reshuffling of predatory shark populations on a global scale. It is also not something that can be resolved by simply going back to killing more sharks. It is a massive disruption to present marine ecosystems that will need constant monitoring and study before taking action.

After all, despite their fearsome reputation, species like the tiger shark do take a much longer time to repopulate. There is still no telling if the increasing hurricanes could ever result in stronger numbers or simply a net negative as they invade ecosystems that are defenseless against these roaming apex predators.

Only one thing is for sure. If a hurricane is coming your way, then you have one more reason to rethink that yachting trip.

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