Of the 160-plus known species of Australian sharks, only three are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety:
the white shark or white pointer/great white (Carcharodon carcharias);
tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier); and
bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas).
In WA, the majority of fatalities are attributed to white sharks.
Wobbegong, hammerhead and whaler sharks, while usually harmless, have also bitten humans, but the bites are rarely fatal. As is the case with other wild animals, sharks may bite when they feel threatened and, no matter how big or small, should be left alone.
Reducing the risk of shark interactions
Even though shark encounters are considered rare, stay safe in the water by following our simple Shark SMART tips and keep up-to-date with detection and shark sighting information with our Shark Activity information on the Sharksmart website.