MIAMI (Reuters) - Shark attacks on humans in the United States hit their highest level in more than a decade last year, but researchers say it does not mean sharks are getting more aggressive.
The United States recorded 53 shark attacks in 2012, matching the highest yearly total since the same number was registered in 2000, according to researchers at the University of Florida.
The number of U.S. attacks in 2012 marked an increase from 31 reported in 2011, although worldwide, the number was only slightly higher at 80 compared to 78 in 2011, according to the university's annual International Shark Attack File report released on Monday.