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Study Identifies First Known Fatal Dusky Shark Attack Off Israel as Feeding Frenzy

Scientists say a reflex bite, possibly triggered by a GoPro’s electrical signal and reinforced by sharks conditioned to human handouts, set off the fatal incident.

Overview

  • Researchers analyzing footage and witness accounts concluded that Barak Tzach, 40, was killed by several dusky sharks while snorkeling off Hadera in April.
  • Search teams recovered only small human remains the next day, allowing forensic identification and indicating he was consumed by multiple sharks.
  • The study links the event to sharks habituated to people through public feeding, fish scraps from tour boats, and warm industrial outflows that concentrate sharks near shore.
  • Authors recommend banning all artificial feeding and discouraging spearfishing to curb 'begging' behavior, warning that a shark cull would be the worst response.
  • Dusky sharks are typically wary of humans and had no recorded human fatalities before this case, though bystanders captured video and reported hearing the victim's cries for help.