A spate of shark bites has Australian ocean lovers on edge. People want to know why they’re rising (opens original article in a new tab)

A recent shark bite in Sydney has heightened fears among locals, as Australia experiences a rising trend in shark incidents, with experts pointing to factors like warming oceans and recovering seal populations.

• Sydney beaches experienced a recent shark bite that left a 34-year-old woman in critical condition.
• Australia has seen a rise in shark bites, with 21 incidents per year on average in this decade compared to 12 in the 2000s.
• Experts suggest warming oceans and recovering seal populations may contribute to increased shark-human interactions.