They are one of the most feared and misunderstood creatures in the ocean, so it’s important to understand are sharks nocturnal or diurnal and when are sharks most active?
Sharks can be found in oceans, seas and some freshwater systems all over the world, so understanding their patterns of activity is essential for both conservation efforts and recreational activities.
This article will explain when sharks are typically more active, are they nocturnal or diurnal animal and what factors influence their behavior.
When Are Sharks Most Active?
As one of the top predators in the marine food chain, sharks are constantly on the move in search of food.
These powerful creatures have a unique pattern of activity, which peaks during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn.
They are highly mobile creatures, and they spend much of their time actively searching for their next meal.
This pattern is driven by their instinctive need to hunt for prey and maximize their chances of survival.
Sharks With their keen senses, they have adapted to be successful predators in all types of environments.
One of their most impressive abilities is their excellent vision, which allows them to see even in low light conditions.
This advantage helps sharks hunt more effectively because their prey is known to be more active during these times of day and the cooler water makes it difficult for them to escape.
Sharks are also active when the sun goes down, as they use the darkness to their advantage while hunting for prey.
This method of hunting allows them to surprise their unsuspecting victims and gives them a better chance of securing a meal.
Besides, they can inhabit both salt and freshwater bodies, making them highly adaptable animals. They are most active at night, but they can be seen during the day as well.
Are Sharks More Active at Night?
Before we discuss about are sharks nocturnal hunters or do sharks hunt at night, we have to know about their sleeping pattern.
It is no surprise, then, that many people have wondered about when sharks are most likely to attack.
They will attack when they see an opportunity, regardless of the time of day or other conditions.
However, there is some evidence to suggest that sharks may be more active at night due to their natural hunting habits.
This means that there may be a greater chance of being attacked by a shark at night compared to during the day.
What Month Do Sharks Attack Most?
Sharks actually have complex behaviors and habits that we are only just beginning to learn about.
Surprisingly, experts believe that sharks may be more active during late summer and fall than during other months.
This is because cooler water temperatures lead their prey to move closer to shore which provides an ideal habitat for sharks to feed.
Scientists were recently surprised to discover that great white sharks seem to love warmer ocean waters, not cold.
This research was conducted by a team of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) who studied over 20 years of data on the movements of 68 individual great white sharks in the east coast of North America.
The research results showed that during parts of the year when ocean temperatures were higher, such as in spring and fall, there was a higher concentration of great white sharks near shorelines.
During colder months when temperatures dropped, however, the population shifted away from coastal areas and out into cooler regions further offshore.
The fact that these apex predators prefer warmer water has been an unexpected surprise to experts who previously believed they could tolerate much colder climates than what they actually appear to prefer.
Nocturnal Sharks Species
It is no secret that sharks are mysterious creatures of the deep, but what might come as a surprise to some is that certain types of sharks are more active at night.
Sharks have adapted to their environment in a unique and interesting way.
Let’s explore what types of sharks are more active during the nighttime hours.
The Great White Shark
Great white sharks have long been feared creatures of the deep, but they are actually nocturnal animals.
For centuries, these apex predators have been seen as fierce hunters during daylight hours. But recent research has revealed that they prefer to prowl the depths of the ocean at night.
Great white sharks are known to hunt a variety of prey and can even be found swimming in shallow coastal waters in search of food.
Bull Shark
The Bull Shark is a giant species of shark that has adapted well to its environment. With a short, rounded snout and broad, blunt nose, this remarkable animal is one of the most dangerous predators in the ocean.
It is distinguished by its circular eyes and two dorsal fins with no inner dorsal ridge. Often considered to be one of the three most aggressive shark species who like to hunt in night hours.
The Bull Shark poses a serious threat to humans in its habitats.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are an incredible species of ocean predator that have long captivated the imaginations of marine biologists and ocean-goers alike.
These majestic creatures, incorrectly portrayed in movies as simple predators, are actually quite complex animals that exhibit unique behaviors.
Interestingly, hammerhead sharks are nocturnal animals, meaning they feed at night and sleep during the day.
This lifestyle is unlike other sea-life which often rely on a 24-hour cycle known as a circadian rhythm.
Although they are active throughout the day, they become even more active when there is enough light to see their prey.
This behavior is seen across all species of shark, with their nocturnal activity increasing when they can spot a potential meal.
While many sharks are most active during the day, there is another instance in which they become more active during the night: when they need to find warmer water due to climate change or for too long without food.
Whale Shark
Whale sharks are perhaps the most fascinating sea creatures in existence. These majestic animals have captivated and intrigued people for centuries, inspiring a drive to learn more about their behavior and habits.
While much of their activity is still a mystery, recently it was found that whale sharks are active both during the night and day, this gentle giant is rarely found in waters below 21°C (70°F).
This is particularly true in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Western Australia Oceania and the Eastern Atlantic region including the Gulf of Mexico.
Interesting Facts About Sharks Hunting & Activity
Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico are a major part of the marine food chain and also an integral part of its ecosystem.
But a research has revealed that these predators have developed a unique strategy for hunting to avoid competing with each other. This strategy is known as ‘shift hunting’.
In this technique, sharks divide up their hunting grounds in shifts so that there is minimal overlap between them.
This allows them to feed on different prey without having to compete for resources or directly confront each other.
According to researchers, this behavior may be more common than previously thought and suggests that sharks can cooperate and coordinate their activities to maximize their chances of success.
Survey of Shark Attacks throughout the World
Shark attacks are a serious problem throughout the world, with many people falling victim to these predators in recent years.
People have long feared sharks, and unfortunately their fears have been realized through increased shark attack encounters in different parts of the globe.
In 2021 alone, there were 137 reported unprovoked shark attacks worldwide.
The most recent increase in attacks can be attributed to more beachgoers entering the oceans and spending more time in areas where sharks dwell.
As a result, people are at a much higher risk of coming into contact with them while they feed or breed.
With so many people entering their territory and disrupting their habitats, sharks become aggressive and prone to attack when provoked or scared by human behavior.
Here is a image of confirmed unprovoked shark attacks since 1882 to present in Florida, USA.
When are Sharks Most Active in Different Areas of the World
In Florida, Hawaii, California, Myrtle beach, Gulf of Mexico, Australia, Destin Florida, Maui and South Carolina, there several sharks attacks were observed.
Although sharks live in all seasons, the majority of actual shark attacks take place during the daytime. Shark attacks tend to occur in between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
FAQs
How do you know if a shark is near?
While it is impossible to know for certain when a shark may be nearby, there are some warning signs that can alert you to their presence.
First, look out for any splashing or thrashing in the water. Sharks don’t swim like other fish, so this may indicate that something larger than your typical fish is present.
Additionally, listen for snorting and growling sounds coming from beneath the surface of the water. If this kind of activity continues, it may indicate that a shark is around.
Another way to detect sharks is by watching out for birds hovering over areas where they feed on smaller fish which have been stirred up by predators such as sharks below them.
Why are sharks visible close to shore at night?
Sharks are more active at dawn and dusk due to their superior visual tracking skills. Sharks have adapted to take full advantage of the low light that’s usually, which is why they’re more active during these times.
Their superior tracking skills help them hunt prey that is easier to find in these low-light conditions.
References
- Handwerk, Brian. 2005. “Bull Shark Threat: They Swim Where We Swim.” National Geographic.
- Finucane, Martin. 2018. “Great white sharks like to hang out in ocean eddies, a new study says“. The Boston Globe
- Norman, B, Pierce, S.J. “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” “Rhincodon typus, 2016. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T19488A2365291.en.
- Charles, Krista. 2022. “Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico hunt in shifts to avoid each other.” https://www.newscientist.com/article/2283257-sharks-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-hunt-in-shifts-to-avoid-each-other.
