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Australia has a reputation for vicious shark attacks, and sharks are oft-cited natural preditors for visitors and locals alike. While Australia does have the second highest number of recorded shark attack cases from 1791-2018 (510 reported cases, after the United States, with a total of 1022 as of February 2013) (International Shark Attack File, January 2014), many of the attacks occur in deep waters and with surfboard riders, who wear wetsuits and therefore look similar to sharks' usual prey. An unprovoked attack is considered one which is initiated by the shark, and without human provocation.
This FACT indicates the percentage of persons who have not escaped a shark attack in each Australian state and territory, , from 1791 to 2018. It also appears in the Climate and Environment.