An annual UF report released Tuesday showed a decrease in shark attacks in the U.S. but a rise for the rest of the world.
The report found 75 instances of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. Out of those attacks, 29 incidents happened in the United States — the lowest since 1998.
According to George Burgess, the director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, Florida has the most attacks nationwide. Burgess said Florida's population and popularity as a tourist destination contribute to the number of attacks.
In 2011, there were 11 attacks in Florida, compared to 13 in 2010.
"You've got a lot of people in the water year round," Burgess said. "The opportunities are there for interactions between the two species, and they do occur."
Some UF students aren't concerned with shark attacks.
Dyann Lesnever, a 19-year-old telecommunication freshman from Miami, said he visits the beach regularly.
"Before I moved to Gainesville, I used to go at least three times a month," Lesnever said. "We always check the flags to see if there are any jellyfish, but we've never had reason to worry about shark attacks."
