Considered a robust ocean predator, tiger sharks have garnered their name from the stripes often found on young members of their species. Although these marks often fade as they age into adulthood, this name has helped to distinguish tiger sharks from similar shark counterparts that may have a similar appearance.

Also known as leopard or spotted sharks, tiger sharks are known to travel far and wide in their native ocean habitat. Their complex and flighty hunting mechanisms are still being studied today with only preliminary data on these methods. The details below outline what science has discovered about tiger sharks so far, from their background to how they fare around humans, and what types of predators they face.

Species Background

Tiger sharks, or Galeocerdo cuvier as they’re called in the scientific world, normally reside in tropical and warm-temperate bodies of water. These creatures often make their homes in habitats near atolls, islands and continental shelves, but they’ve often been spotted far into the open ocean as well. This patchwork habitat profile can complicate matters, but they are at least predictable like other animals in their migration patterns.

Young tiger sharks often consume octopi and reef fish for their dietary needs, while adult tiger sharks as predators are anything but choosy. These unfussy creatures love to hunt animal life like stingrays, birds, dolphins and squids. They’re also known to go after clams and turtles as well, since tiger sharks can break their shells with relative ease. The observed hunting strategy of tiger sharks is to sneak up in a calculated manner and surprise their prey. They can swim up to 20 miles per hour when they’re darting for their next meal!

Size-wise, tiger sharks normally measure between 10 to 14 feet, but larger specimens can reach up to 25 feet in length. While smaller tiger sharks can weigh around 900 lbs., the massive ones can reach up to almost 2000 lbs. Even though these warm saltwater dwellers spend some of their time near the surface, they are often spotted over 400 feet deep in the ocean as well. The normal lifespan of a tiger shark usually ranges from 15 to 40 years depending on their evasion tactics.

As of 2021, the tiger shark is deemed to be “near threatened” based on data about their population numbers. While this doesn’t spell certain doom for these apex predators, it’s important to know since rare species are often highly sought after.

Do tiger sharks attack humans?

Among shark types, tiger sharks are one of the three most common shark species to attack humans. They rank somewhere between bull sharks and great white sharks in number of attacks and fatalities. However, that’s not to say that these attacks are necessarily intentional. For example, seeing a surfer’s foot kick the water while they’re on the hunt for their next meal could lead to the tiger shark lunging at what it deems to be edible or dangerous.

One of the dangers that scientists often point to is more sharks and humans being present in the water at the same time. The evidence seems to point to tiger sharks mostly ignoring humans when they’re around, but humans being cautious in areas where they commonly frequent doesn’t hurt.

In a study done by the University of Hawaii, data showed that tiger sharks patrol much of the coastline throughout the islands, and they only stay in one area for a few minutes at a time. Some scientists have theorized that the element of surprise is the main strategy of tiger sharks as they hunt, as prey clears out quickly once the shark is noticed. This can also change based on season and the habits of other prey animals, since tiger sharks are pure opportunists. This goes to reason that most shark attacks are rare, random and not premeditated.

Researcher Gavin Naylor and his colleagues have developed a list of tips on staying safe and avoiding shark attacks. These tips include swimming in groups, wearing dark clothing, avoiding jewelry as well as swimming around dawn or dusk, and avoiding excess splashing or leaping schools of fish. Tiger sharks often mistake the splashing and jumping for an injured animal or easy meal, so being aware of this habit may save you.

Specific Shark Attack Data

Provocation can have a lot to do with how sharks interact with humans. This means the human has interacted with the shark in some way that has ended with the tiger shark feeling threatened, and ultimately attacking the human to defend themselves. There are also cases of sharks biting vessels that add to this tally.

In 2020, the total of 57 unprovoked shark bites was low in comparison to the years previous, which averaged around 80 unprovoked bites. These amounts are inherently affected by climate patterns and ocean conditions that drive sharks even closer to the shore than normal. The US, and Florida in particular, dominates in the number of unprovoked shark bites. These 16 bites represent almost half of the US total and almost a third of unprovoked shark bites worldwide.

One metric that determines safety is the activity being performed at the time of the shark attack. Over 60% of these incidents occurred while the victim was surfing or participating in board sports, with only 4% of incidents were attributed to snorkeling or free-diving. This further enforces the idea that sharks may be more likely to attack when they can’t properly assess the size of their opponent.

Since many vacations were put on hold and beaches were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, lower numbers and unconfirmed cases may reflect this change in data.

Has a tiger shark ever killed a human?

A number of encounters with tiger sharks have resulted in fatalities. The recorded number of deaths is officially at 34 out of a total 131 attacks as of 2021. It’s hard to say what amount of these attacks were provoked by actions intentional or non-intentional. Since tiger sharks are not often picky about the food they consume, it’s easy to see why they would be indiscriminate about what they hunt around the beach.

Is it safe to swim with tiger sharks?

The answer to this question is up to your best judgment. Although tiger sharks have been labeled as dangerous because of their reputation, this isn’t to say shark bites are common.

The late 20th century saw the removal of larger tiger sharks from coastal waters in an effort to reduce the risk of shark attacks. However, scientific data eventually proved that tiger sharks were wide ranging and did not commonly appear in the areas targeted. As far as avoidance, over 60% of shark attacks happen between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. This means the previous idea of avoiding tiger sharks during off-hours feeding or movement patterns does not hold water.

When you’re a mysterious threat on a surfboard and they’re already on the hunt, it’s more likely tiger sharks will attack out of caution or hunger. However, you may be easier to size up (as long as you use caution) when you’re suited up on a dive. In these circumstances, tiger sharks generally aren’t risky to be around when diving.

Considering the amount of people that show up to the beach every year, both fatal and non-fatal bites have only decreased over time. This effort can mostly be attributed to further public awareness and beach safety.

What kills a tiger shark?

Humans are most often the cause of death in tiger sharks. Their cartilage, liver oil and fins are highly in demand for different uses, so this species is sought after relatively often. As far as natural sea predators, killer whales are sometimes responsible for attacks on tiger sharks since they are generally larger in size and can easily overpower them.

As with any ocean adventure, tiger sharks can present danger depending on the circumstances they are encountered in. The ocean is a vast and largely unexplored area of the planet, so it’s best to take caution whether you’re surfing, diving or swimming.

Tiger sharks are truly marvelous to behold in certain settings. However, they’re still apex predators that deserve respect and space in the wild. When pursuing water sports, remember to admire them from afar without provocation and keep yourself safe.

Works Cited

National Geographic. Tiger Shark. Animals. Retrieved December 2, 2021, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/tiger-shark.

Meyer, C., & Holland, K. Long-term Movement Patterns of Tiger Sharks in Hawaii. Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Retrieved December 2, 2021, from https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/ReefPredator/Tiger%20Shark%20Research.htm.

Gray, R. August 8, 2019. The real reasons why sharks attack humans. BBC Future. Retrieved December 2, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190808-why-do-sharks-attack-humans.

AZ Animals Staff. October 7, 2021. Tiger Shark Fish Facts. Retrieved December 2, 2021, from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/tiger-shark/.

Naylor, G. & Bowling, T. Yearly Worldwide Shark Attack Summary. International Shark Attack File. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/.