Are shark attacks increasing? That’s what the data tells us.

Shark attacks may appear to be on the rise after two attacks last week, less than two hours and five miles apart, injured three people on the beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

However, shark attacks are still considered rare. The Florida Museum, a state natural history museum, estimates the chance of being attacked by a shark at 1 in 11.5 million.

Although reports of attacks like last week’s might make it seem like such incidents are on the rise, the number of attacks in the U.S. has actually been declining in recent years. And more reports are to be expected now that we’ve entered the season when people spend more time in the ocean, increasing the likelihood of human-shark contact.

Here’s a look at the number of reported shark attacks in recent years:

How often do shark attacks occur in the United States?

Worldwide, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites on humans in 2023, 36 of which occurred in the United States. Two of the 36 were fatal: one in Hawaii, the other in California. Florida saw 16 shark attacks, as in previous years, more than any other state, according to the Florida Museum’s report “The International Shark Attack File.”

In 2023, there was a 12.2% decrease in shark bites compared to 2022.

More:Shark attacks in Florida and Hawaii lead to beach closures and hospitalizations: What you should know

Florida has the most shark attacks

There were 1,632 unprovoked shark bites in the United States since 1837, according to the International Shark Attack File. Most attacks, 928occurred in Florida. This is mainly due to the state’s 2,170-kilometer coastline, the longest in the contiguous United States. The state has abundant coastal prey for sharks and attracts tourists year-round who enjoy Florida’s beaches.

There isn’t a beach in Florida where you can’t spot a shark. This is where the “Shark Bite Capital of the World” is located, better known as Volusia County.

Volusia County – home of popular Daytona Beach – recorded the highest number, with 351 unprovoked shark attacks. The oldest documented attack dates back to 1837. Volusia’s southern neighbors, Brevard and Palm Beach counties, recorded the second highest number, with 158 and 83 attacks, respectively.

More:After shark attacks in Florida, experts urge beachgoers not to panic

Shark species most commonly associated with attacks

There are more than 500 species of sharks in the sea, but the 10 species listed below are most commonly associated with unprovoked attacks. However, sharks are often misidentified after attacks. The three shark species that can cause serious injury are bull sharks, great white sharks and tiger sharks, according to the International Shark Attack File.