That’s right, July 14th is Shark Awareness Day! You might think today is about raising awareness regarding the dangers of shark attacks. Instead, the goal of Shark Awareness Day is to educate people about the truth behind the misconceptions about these impressive and mysterious hunters.
In the spirit of the holiday, here are a few facts about these amazing creatures of the deep:
- You are more likely to be struck by lightning or killed by a tornado, than you are to be attacked or killed by a shark!
- Sharks can be found in every ocean in the world. Bull sharks can even survive in freshwater!
- A shark’s skeleton is completely made of cartilage, not bone. This is part of what makes them so buoyant.
Unfortunately, shark populations are being threatened by overfishing and habitat destruction. Ocean ecosystems rely on top predators like sharks to keep fish populations in control and food webs balanced.
What can you do to help save sharks? 4Ocean is a great organization that cleans up one pound of trash in the ocean for every bracelet sold. Their core mission is ocean sustainability, recycling awareness, creating global economies and earth preservation. Check out their website for more information and to purchase your bracelet today!
Want to learn more about sharks and how you can help protect them? Locally, you can visit the Shedd Aquarium or the Milwaukee County Zoo. Sharktrust.org is another great resource. Their website provides great information regarding shark conservation, research, and facts.
