by Associated Press
Published: Thu, February 19, 2009 - 9:29 am CST
Last Updated: Thu, February 19, 2009 - 9:33 am CST
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -Shark attacks worldwide dipped last yearto their lowest level in five years.
University of Florida shark researcher George Burgess says there
were 59 attacks in 2008, compared to 71 in 2007. He attributes the
decline to economy and fewer people going to the beach.
There were four fatal attacks last year, an average number,
compared with only one in 2007, which marked a two-decade low. Two
of the deaths were in Mexico, one was in Australia and one was in
the United States.
Burgess is an ichthyologist and director of the International
Shark Attack File, which is housed at the University of Florida.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-02-19-09 1029EST
Shark Bites Surfer
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recently Commented On
Deadly Ship Explosion
Baldwin School Closing A Possibility?
Gulf Coast Classic Attendance:…
Katrina Ruling Could Bring New…
Fairhope Man Pleads Guilty To…