If you’ve ever been wary about so much as sticking your toes in the water at the beach, or have found yourself unable to sit through a screening of Jaws without covering your eyes, you’re not alone.
According to a 2015 poll from market research company Ipsos, 51 percent of Americans say they’re scared of sharks and 38 percent admit they’re so terrified of the toothy animals that they’re afraid to set foot in the ocean.
Luckily, that fear isn’t nearly as justified as many imagine. According to The International Shark Attack File, there were just 66 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2018.
To put that into perspective, you’re more likely to be harmed or killed by a cow, according to a 2018 review of research published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. Still not convinced that sharks are nothing to fear? We’ll let these friendly shark photos do the talking.
This colorful catshark swimming near the ocean floor
While you may hear more about great whites and makos, the catshark is actually the biggest shark family in the ocean, with more than 100 species. And its stunning skin will leave you more impressed than scared.
This baby nurse shark getting some snuggles
While adult nurse sharks can be found in depths of up to 250 feet, juvenile nurse sharks, like this growing guy, tend to stick to shallower water, frequently keeping themselves hidden in coral reefs.
These nurse sharks hanging out with a friendly human
Nurse sharks are thought to be among the most docile sharks, and frequently allow humans to swim near them or pet them.
This friendly-looking whale shark
Whale sharks are one of the top two largest shark species (the others are basking sharks). The good news? Both are filter feeders that eat fish eggs and other tiny organisms, not people.
And this whale shark diving with a pal
Whale sharks can reach lengths of up to 40 feet, but they’re also some of the most friendly sharks out there, as this photo of a woman next to one proves!
Also, this whale shark and a scuba diver
Though approaching a shark alone in the water is never wise, whale sharks are frequently fine having humans tag along with them for a swim.
This baby hammerhead going for a swim
Of course, a baby shark is going to look tame when compared to full-grown adults. But even when he grows up, this little hammerhead isn’t anything to be scared of.
And this big hammerhead hanging out
According to the International Shark File, hammerheads have been responsible for exactly zero confirmed human fatalities. They’re among the 20 shark species (out of 33) that can make that claim to fame!
