'Shark Week' host Forrest Galante explains why crushing beers in the ocean is a bad idea - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News, citing an OutKick Outdoors interview, reported that wildlife biologist, conservationist and television host Forrest Galante offered shark-safety guidance ahead of his Discovery “Shark Week” special, “Alien Sharks: Untamed America.” Galante said the likelihood of a dangerous shark encounter is already very low, but beachgoers can reduce risk further by learning about local waters and the shark species that may be present.

Among his general precautions, Galante advised against swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are more active and may feed closer to shore. He also warned swimmers to avoid river mouths, areas where people are fishing or using bait, and isolated beaches where no one else is in the water. He said swimming alone adds risk, as it does with many outdoor activities.

Galante also highlighted less obvious factors that can attract attention from sharks. He said shiny jewelry, sequins or reflective items may resemble flashes from baitfish, and that sounds such as a crackling plastic bottle or a crushed beer can underwater can resemble prey-related noises, prompting sharks to investigate. He described many bites as mistaken identity, noting that a shark’s exploratory bite can still cause serious or fatal injuries.

The article also previewed Galante’s special, which Fox said premieres Wednesday on Discovery and Max and follows him around U.S. waters in search of unusual shark species, including swell sharks, bonnethead sharks, basking sharks and sawfish. The broader takeaway from the report was that sharks are not typically seeking humans as prey, but simple behavior changes can help swimmers avoid attracting them.