Sharks Attacked in These 8 States in 2022

The International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History (ISAF) has compiled its annual listing of shark attacks across the U.S. and the rest of the world.

There were 57 unprovoked shark attacks in the world in 2022, and 41 of those attacks took place in the U.S. Most of those attacks in the U.S. took place in one state, and it’s not even close according to ISAF. In fact, the top state for shark attacks had the same number of shark attacks as the rest of the non-U.S. countries combined.

But it’s the second state on the last, a relative newcomer to the annual shark attack list, that will raise eyebrows and heart rates amongst gay men.

Keep scrolling to see the top U.S. states for shark attacks in 2022.

8. Texas

2022 Statistics: 1 attack, 0 fatalities.

The Lone Star state is the 6th most popular state for sharks to hunt humans since 1926 with 45 attacks.

7. Alabama

2022 Statistics: 1 attack, 0 fatalities

Shark attacks are rare in Alabama. There have only been 10 shark attacks in its waters since 1926.

6. North Carolina

2022 Statistics: 2 attacks, 0 fatalities

Numerous attacks have taken place at North Topsail Beach over the years, although none have resulted in fatalities.

5. South Carolina

2022 Statistics: 4 attacks, 0 fatalities

Sharks attacked swimmers on Kiawah Island and Myrtle Beach in 2022.

4. California

2022 Statistics: 4 attacks, 0 fatalities

All four attacks in California last year were by suspected great white sharks. Three of the attacks took place in the colder waters of Northern California, with the remaining attack taking place in the waters of San Miguel Island near Santa Barbara. Rumored to be the final resting place of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who died there in 1542, the island was the site of a fatal shark attack in 1994.

3. Hawaii

2022 Statistics: 5 attacks, 1 fatality

Sadly, Hawaii was the site of the only fatality from a shark attack in the U.S. last year.

2. New York

2022 Statistics: 8 attacks, 0 fatalities

New York experienced an unprecedented number of shark attacks last year. According to ISAF, the rising number of attacks in the state can be attributed to a colony of juvenile sand tiger sharks residing in the waters between Long Island and Fire Island since 2016. To put this year’s number of attacks into perspective, since 1926 there were only 12 reported attacks in the state prior to last year.

1. Florida

2022 Statistics: 16 attacks, 0 fatalities

With 16 unprovoked shark attacks in its waters last year, Florida is the undisputed shark attack leader not just in the U.S. but also in the world. In fact, its total of 16 attacks is equal to the combined number of the rest of the world's shark attack hot spots. Volusia County alone accounted for seven bites (44 percent of the state’s total), leading some to call the county the Shark Attack Capital of the World.