6 Shark Myths Solved to Keep You Safe This Summer

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By Hannah Orenstein2013-08-03 18:30:40 UTC

Sharks have a bit of a PR problem on their fins. While the World Health Organization estimates 1.3 million people die in car crashes annually, ISAF reported shark attacks weigh in at approximately 80 — most of which aren't fatal. Although most of us won't think twice about jumping in a car, we might worry about the danger of sharks.

See also: 'Sharknado' Is Coming to Movie Theaters for One Day Only

Despite a relatively low number of actual attacks, it's still smart to learn about shark safety. In honor of Shark Week (airing August 4th - 11th on Discovery Channel), Mashable consulted Dr. Joel Fodrie, an ecologist at the University of North Carolina's Institute of Marine Sciences in Beaufort, N.C., to clear the aquatic creatures' good name.

Check out the slideshow below to clear up myths about what triggers shark attacks, how they select their prey and more.

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Homepage image: Flickr, ba.zinga

Topics: biology, Pics, safety, Shark Week, sharks, summer, swimming, unc, Watercooler