Are Dog Bites More Common Than Shark Attacks? The Surprising Truth

Every summer, shark attacks make national headlines. Images of great white sharks and ominous fins slicing through water feed a deep cultural fear of these ocean predators. Movies, television shows, and viral news stories have all contributed to the idea that shark attacks are a major threat to public safety.

But here’s the reality: if you are worried about being bitten, it’s not sharks you should be concerned about — it’s dogs. Dog bites are far more common — and far more dangerous — than shark attacks.

Let’s break down the numbers, the reasons behind the fear, and what you need to know to stay safe.

The Numbers: Dog Bites vs. Shark Attacks

Dog Bites:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the United States each year.
• About 800,000 of those bites require medical attention.
• On average, 30 to 50 Americans die each year from dog bite-related injuries.

Shark Attacks:

• The International Shark Attack File, maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, reports about 50 to 70 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide annually.
• Of those, only about 1 to 5 result in fatalities globally — and only 1 or 2 per year in the United States.

The comparison isn’t even close:
You’re more than 75,000 times more likely to be bitten by a dog than by a shark.

Why Are We More Afraid of Sharks Than Dogs?

If dogs are the real danger, why do sharks get all the attention?

1. Media Sensationalism
Shark attacks make dramatic headlines. Stories about a surfer bitten off the coast of Florida or a tourist attacked while snorkeling create gripping news segments. Meanwhile, dog bites are so common that they rarely make front-page news unless the attack is particularly horrific.

2. “Jaws” and Pop Culture
Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster Jaws fundamentally changed how people perceive sharks. The film portrayed sharks as relentless, bloodthirsty killers, and its legacy still shapes public fears today.

3. Familiarity Breeds Comfort
Most people interact with dogs daily. They’re trusted companions, beloved family members, and loyal workers. That familiarity leads to underestimating the risks that dogs can pose under certain conditions.

4. The Myth of “It Won’t Happen to Me”
People believe shark attacks are random and uncontrollable, while they assume they can “read” dogs and prevent bites. This false sense of control leads to less caution around dogs, especially unfamiliar ones.

Where Dog Bites Happen Most Often

Unlike shark attacks, which occur in the ocean, dog bites happen anywhere — in homes, parks, sidewalks, or even at family gatherings. According to the CDC:

• Over half of dog bite victims are children, often bitten on the face, head, or neck.
• The majority of bites involve a dog the victim knows — either their own pet or a friend’s or neighbor’s dog.

Dog bites often occur during ordinary, everyday activities like visiting a friend’s house, delivering a package, or playing in the neighborhood.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, some of them severe or even life-threatening:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Lacerations and torn skin
• Nerve damage
• Infections like cellulitis or rabies
• Disfiguring scars
• Psychological trauma (especially in children)

In comparison, shark attack injuries, while often severe when they happen, are so rare that medical professionals see thousands more dog bite injuries each year than shark-related injuries.

Why Dog Bites Are Dangerous

In addition to the sheer number of incidents, dog bites are dangerous because:

• Dogs have strong bite forces capable of breaking bones.
• Dog attacks can be unpredictable — even friendly dogs can bite when startled, afraid, or provoked.
• Children are often most vulnerable due to their small size and tendency to approach dogs improperly.

Sharks Aren’t Really Interested in Humans

Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks do not typically hunt humans. Most shark attacks are cases of mistaken identity — a surfer’s silhouette on the water can resemble a seal or other prey. Once a shark realizes the mistake, it often lets go.

In contrast, dog attacks are usually intentional defensive or territorial responses. Dogs bite because they feel threatened, scared, or protective — making dog behavior much more predictable, but also much more common.

Key Dog Bite Statistics You Should Know

Here are a few more facts that highlight the risk:

• Pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for the highest number of serious bite incidents.
• The average cost of a dog bite hospital stay is over $18,000, more than twice the cost of the average injury stay.
• Homeowners insurance claims related to dog bites total over $1 billion annually in the United States.
• Dog bite-related fatalities are on the rise, according to the latest CDC and DogsBite.org statistics.

Tips to Stay Safe Around Dogs

Just because dog bites are common doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog without asking the owner first.
• Let the dog approach you rather than reaching out.
• Avoid petting dogs on top of their heads — go for the shoulders or chest.
• Stay away from dogs that are eating, sleeping, or tied up.
• Teach children safe dog behavior, including not running, screaming, or hugging unfamiliar dogs.
• Be aware of warning signs, like stiff body posture, growling, or lip licking.

With proper education, many dog bite incidents can be prevented.

Know Your Legal Rights When a Dog Bite Happens

If you or your child is bitten by a dog, it’s important to take immediate action:

1. Seek medical treatment right away, even for minor bites.
2. Report the bite to the local police department and local animal control authorities.
3. Document the incident with photos and witness statements.
4. Contact an experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer to understand your rights.

In Illinois, for example, the Animal Control Act makes dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, as long as the victim was acting peacefully and lawfully. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

The Real Danger Is Closer to Home

“Dog bites are far more common and far more serious than most people realize. Unlike rare shark attacks, dog bites happen every day in our neighborhoods and parks. Education, prevention, and accountability are key to protecting families and children from devastating injuries.” — John J. Malm, Naperville dog attack lawyer

The next time you hear about a shark attack on the news, remember: while tragic, shark attacks are extraordinarily rare. Dog bites are not.

If you’re worried about safety for yourself or your children, focus on education, prevention, and awareness around dogs. Sharks may be the stuff of Hollywood nightmares — but it’s dogs, our closest companions, that deserve the real respect and caution.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated injury lawyers have extensive experience in helping families recover after serious dog bite injuries. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our award-winning Illinois dog attack litigators have over 90 years of combined experience securing millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog attack, contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation and experienced legal representation you can trust.