with about 11% of the bites, California has 9% and together, the Carolinas account for 12% of the bites.

To see where shark attacks have occurred each year in the U.S., use the scroll bar below.

Are sharks trying to bite you?

Scientists do not have an explanation for the rare cases in which a person gets bitten for no apparent reason, but they say sharks largely ignore people.

 They're around people a lot more than they have been before and realize we're not food,  said Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach.  We don't smell like food. We don't act like food. 

Studies have shown that sharks are not attracted to human blood or menstrual blood. They know the difference between human and fish blood.



When it comes to predicting trends in shark bites, Naylor said that it's harder than predicting the stock market. Attacks are so rare, and the period of record is so small, that it's impossible to draw strong statistical conclusions.

So many things impact shark movements, including water temperatures, tides, toxins and human activity.

Different fads, like foiling and windsurfing, put people in new, unexpected areas where sharks may mistake them for a seal.

As for which sharks to watch out for, great white sharks, tiger sharks and bull sharks are the  Big Three  when it comes to unprovoked bites.

Naylor also said that blacktip sharks are common off the coast of Florida, but their bites are far less fatal than those of great whites.

How to stay safe

Experts say that it is safe to bring your family to the beach this summer, and that any potential changes in shark behavior due to El Niño are no reason to cancel holiday plans.

Still, if you are concerned, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of an attack.

Go to beaches with lifeguards, stay in groups and avoid murky water. Avoid large schools of fish. If fish are jumping out of the water, that means something big is likely chasing them.

Fishers off the coast in California should keep an eye out for increased hammerhead activity this year, and if you are kayak fishing, keep your arms and legs in the boat. Spearfishers should keep any catches on a stringer far away from them.

Rip currents and drowning are still the biggest risks for any beachgoers this year. Every year, about 4,000 Americans die due to drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.