Florida recorded 23 attacks during 2006 on humans, none fatal. This is down on a particularly bad period from 2000 to 2003, which averaged 33 a year, but still leaves Florida with its dubious title.
The stats include all incidents, from fatal or serious to the smallest of nips on a swimmer or surfer. The last fatality off Florida occurred in 2005.
George Burgess, Director of the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, said the attacks centred on Volusia County and one beach in particular ? New Smyrna.
Of the 23 cases last year, 12 were in Volusia County. Brevard County had three, Manatee and St Lucie each had two, and one occurred in each of Palm Beach, Collier, Monroe and Indian River.
Related links
International Shark Attack File |
