Shark week is a modern tradition, taking one week in July to showcase the awe-inspiring creatures of the deep while doing some reputation rehab at the same time. Though shark attacks are often feared by summer beach-goers, sharks are highly unlikely to pose any threat to unsuspecting swimmers. It turns out Jaws was just an old fishwives’ tale after all.
Sharks are fascinating and diverse. There are hundreds of species of sharks, ranging from tiny dogfish sharks to massive whale sharks, and they’re more interested in finding a tasty fish for dinner than taking a bite out of you. Some sharks fluoresce, some have snouts that look like chainsaws, and some have even made clones of themselves!
Sharks, like so many other sea creatures, are threatened by overfishing and other damage to their home waters caused by humans. Rather than something to be frightened of, sharks need our help to continue to thrive and keep the ocean’s ecosystem in balance. So this summer, consider the shark. Check out our favorite shark reads to learn more about these incredible animals, and fill your upcoming beach trip with fun rather than fear.
