Shark attacks worldwide declined in 2014, but Florida remained the top U.S. state for attacks.
The International Shark Attack File showed that in 2014 only 72 attacks were recorded, three less than in 2013 worldwide, according to the Palm Beach Post. The University of Florida ran a study that showed that the U.S. had the most attacks, 52, and Florida had 54 percent of them with 28 attacks.
Sharks killed three people worldwide in 2014, a decline from 10 deaths in 2013, Reuters reported. Two of the deaths occurred in New South Wales in eastern Australia and the other in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
The annual report from the International Shark Attack File counts the number of unprovoked shark attacks, which researchers say is attacks occurring in a shark habitat that a human did not instigate.
The U.S. has seen the most attacks worldwide. Hawaii had seven attacks, South Carolina had five, North Carolina had four and California also had four. Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas also saw one attack each.
Researcher George Burgess, who oversees the International Shark Attack File, said the lower death rates reflect better access to medical care for traumatic injuries and an increase in lifeguards on beaches. Furthermore, swimmers also know more about shark safety.
Even though the numbers fell last year, the past decade reveals a rise in attacks. The rise in global population and the increase in people visiting beaches and spending time in the water increases the number of chances for a shark attack.
Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida had two attacks each, but Volusia county saw 10 attacks, according to the Palm Beach Post. Volusia county is home to New Smyrna Beach, a popular surfing spot, which is also a fertile hunting ground for sharks.
