in 2006 did more people die in the world due to all bear attacks or all shark attacks?

Question

I do not care about one particular species of the bear or shark - every species combined would be best.

Thanks

Answer 1

Just by total numbers sharks are always going to win with the higher death toll. (two people have already been killed this year in the US by bears)

However you have to stop and think about the overall picture.

Attacking species of sharks are found in just about all the waters of the world, both fresh and salt. Billions of people a year swim in these waters as well as fish, dive, surf, etc.

However bears have a very limited range on this planet and a much smaller number of people are ever in those areas.

Taking that into account if 4 people are killed by sharks within a year, and 2 people are killed by bears in the same year. Bears are clearly more of a danger.

Answer 2

Here is some shark attack stats for 2006:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/2006attacksummary.htm

I couldn't find any specific reports about bear attacks. But to me it would seem as if the numbers are more in favor of shark deaths - just because the number of continents at risk is greater for shark attacks than for bears.

Answer 3

Four deaths for sharks: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/2006attacksummary.htm

One bear death in North America:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America_by_decade#2000s

One in Russia, via polar bear:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/16/news/bears.php


Looks like sharks are more deadly, but check with these people first: http://www.bearbiology.com/

Answer 4

I dont know. But I DO know that 6 people died of shark attacks last year, whereas a few thousand died from toasters-saw it on the news =)