MYTH

Of over 500 shark species, only about 10 are considered dangerous to humans. Most sharks are harmless.

Source: Shark Species and Human Risk - NOAA Fisheries

FACT

About 95% of shark attacks happen in water less than 6 feet deep, simply because that's where most people swim.

Source: International Shark Attack File Statistics

MYTH

Whale sharks are the largest, reaching up to 40 feet. Great whites typically reach 15-20 feet.

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF

FACT

Sharks evolved around 400 million years ago, while trees appeared about 350 million years ago.

Source: Shark Evolution Timeline - Smithsonian Ocean

MYTH

Sharks don't sleep in the traditional sense, but they do have periods of rest and reduced activity.

Source: Do Sharks Sleep? - Discovery Channel