How common are shark attacks in the US? Take a close look at the latest data.

It might seem as if shark attacks are on the rise after recent attacks on South Padre Island and in Florida last month, which left several people injured.

But shark attacks are still considered rare. The Florida Museum, a state natural history museum, puts the odds of being attacked by a shark at 1 in 11.5 million.

Though reports of attacks like last week's may contribute to the perception that such incidents are on the rise, attacks in the U.S. have actually trended down in recent years. And more reports can be expected now because we've entered the time of year when people spend more time in the ocean, raising the chances people and sharks may come in contact.

Here's a look at the numbers of reported shark attacks in recent years:

How often do sharks attack in the US?

Worldwide, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites on humans in 2023, and 36 of them were in the U.S. Two of the 36 were fatal: one in Hawaii, the other in California. Florida saw 16 shark attacks, more than any other state, just like in previous years, according to The International Shark Attack File report of the Florida Museum.

In 2023, there was an 12.2% decrease in shark bites compared with 2022.

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More:Shark attacks in Florida, Hawaii lead to closed beaches, hospitalizations: What to know

Florida ranks highest in shark attacks

There have been 1,632 unprovoked shark bites in the U.S. since 1837, according to the International Shark Attack File. The most attacks, 928, occurred in Florida. That's largely because of the state's 1,350-mile coastline, the largest in the contiguous U.S. The state has an abundance of shoreline prey for sharks and year-round tourists who enjoy Florida's beaches.

There’s no beach in Florida where it’s impossible to come across a shark. It’s home to the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” better known as Volusia County.

Volusia County – home to popular Daytona Beach – ranked the highest with 351 unprovoked shark attacks. The oldest on record dates to 1837. Volusia's neighbors to the south, Brevard and Palm Beach counties, have the next highest with 158 and 83 attacks, respectively.

More:After shark attacks in Florida, experts urge beachgoers not to panic

Shark species most commonly linked to attacks

There are more than 500 shark species in the ocean, but the 10 species noted below are most often linked to unprovoked attacks. That said, sharks are often misidentified after attacks. The three shark species that can inflict severe injuries are bull sharks, great white sharks and tiger sharks, according to the International Shark Attack File.

Most common activity at time of attack

Surfers and waterboard riders suffered the majority of shark incidents in 2023 at 42%. Attacks on swimmers and waders were slightly lower at 39%. Snorkelers or free-divers made up 13% of incidents.

How sharks typically attack

Shark attacks almost always occur close to the coast. It's rare for victims see a shark approaching. In most attacks, sharks don't bite more than once. They frequently use three assault tactics: the hit-and-run, bump-and-bite, and sneak attack.

Most unprovoked attacks are actually test bites, which happen when a shark mistakes a human for its favorite prey. After taking a single bite, the shark will typically swim away. Some species, however, such as tiger and white sharks, are big enough that a single bite can be fatal.

Five ways to reduce your risk of an attack

1. Have a swimming buddy; don't go into the water alone.
2. Don't swim at dawn or at dusk. The light is low, which can increase your risk of a shark mistaking you for other prey.
3. Don't enter waters where there is fishing activity.
4. Don't wear shiny jewelry. It can catch the sunlight and glint, much like fish that sharks prey upon.
5. Try to avoid splashing. It generates a sound similar to that of struggling fish, which can attract sharks.

SOURCE International Shark Attack Files, Florida Museum of Natural History, TrackingSharks.com and USA TODAY research

CONTRIBUTING Mike Snider and Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Lianna Norman, Samantha Neely and Cheryl McCloud/USA TODAY NETWORK