What Are the Odds?
In the wake of annual news stories about shark attacks, it's difficult not to hear that telltale theme song in your head as you head to the beach. But shark attacks are actually quite rare. For example, according to the International Shark Attack File, in 2005 there were only 58 unprovoked shark attacks on humans, 38 of which occurred in the United States.
Thirty-eight attacks out of a population of about 300 million. This means the odds of being attacked by a shark in the United States are roughly 1 in 8 million.
How do these odds compare to other dangers we face in the United States? See if you can guess.
