Texas in Top 10 For States With Highest Rate of Shark Attacks

I saw Jaws for the first time when I was like 7 or 8. And, since that moment, I've never really loved going to beach. Not saying I wouldn't go, but it's definitely not my first choice for a summer activity. As I've gotten older, I've realized shark attacks aren't exactly common. There's a few every year. Rarely do they result in serious injury. In fact, according to a study from the University of Florida, the odd of you being attacked by a shark are roughly 1 in 3.7 million.

Now, with that said, there are some places where you are more likely to encounter a shark than others. And on that list is the great state of Texas.

Texas is 10 Top on the List of States With a Higher Rate of Shark Attacks

Again, no matter what movies depict, the odds of a shark attack are low. However, a huge study identified the states where there are higher rates of shark attacks. Does that mean it's "likely" that you'll have an unpleasant shark interaction while you're trying to have some fun in the sun in any of these places? No. When we dive into the numbers a bit, you'll see that considering how many people visit the beach in all these states, including Texas, that the odds are extremely low. You're more likely to get stung by a jellyfish and get a sunburn that even see a shark, let alone get attacked by one.

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However, and maybe it's because I'm a bit mental, I always like to know what the worst case scenario is any time I go anywhere. And, as far as the beach goes, getting attacked by a shark seems to be the worst case and the most unlikely scenario. But, before I list off the states with the highest rates of attack, I want to say this - even if you are the unlucky 1 in 3.7 million that gets attacked by a shark, there's a REALLY good chance you'll get through it relatively unscathed. Most shark attacks are a bite and run. In fact, on average, there's only a fatal shark attack every two years.

They're unpleasant. They're scary. They're painful. But, generally speaking, that's usually the worst of it.

READ MORE: Is Poop Pollution Making Louisiana & Texas Beaches Unsafe?

Top 10 States for Shark Attacks

• Florida
• Hawaii
• California
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Texas
• Oregon
• New York
• Alabama
• Massachusetts

How To Avoid A Shark Attack

There's no absolute way to avoid a shark attack. There's not a Shark Repellant spray like in the old 1966 Batman (there is shark repellent but it doesn't work exactly like in the movie).

So, what can you do avoid a shark encounter? Here's what the experts advise:

Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk (when they're most active). And if you've been fishing, take a bath. You don't want the shark to confuse you for a tasty treat.