FACT

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 1 million, while shark attack odds are about 1 in 11.5 million.

Source: Shark Attack vs Lightning Strike Odds - Florida Museum

FACT

Young sharks are indeed called pups, regardless of the species.

Source: Shark Reproduction - Encyclopedia Britannica

MYTH

While reported attacks may increase due to better reporting and more people in the water, actual attack rates remain very low.

Source: Shark Attack Trends - International Shark Attack File

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research

MYTH

Some shark species can pump water over their gills while stationary. Only certain species like great whites need to keep moving.

Source: How Sharks Breathe - ReefQuest Centre