Marine biologist Mauricio Hoyos has spent a long time finding out sharks, however his most up-to-date encounter with one almost value him his life. Whereas tagging a 10-foot Galapagos shark close to Costa Rica’s Cocos Island, the animal all of a sudden lunged and bit into his head and cheek.
Miraculously, the shark launched him nearly instantly, leaving him with deep scars however a good deeper respect for the animals he’s devoted his life to understanding.
In line with BBC Information Mundo, Hoyos believes the assault wasn’t an act of aggression however a second of confusion — a fast, defensive response from an animal that felt threatened.
He in contrast the chew to the way in which a canine may nip when one other will get too shut. “This feminine spared my life,” he mentioned, viewing his damage as a reminder of nature’s energy and steadiness fairly than its hazard.
Hoyos’s story challenges a protracted historical past of shark worry and vilification. Regardless of their portrayal in movies and sensational headlines, sharks are very important to the atmosphere and marine ecosystems.
Research have proven that eradicating apex predators like sharks can set off ecosystem collapse, resulting in overpopulation of prey species and harm to coral reefs and fish populations. Defending sharks means defending the ocean — and by extension, the planet’s local weather and meals techniques.
Now again within the water and persevering with his analysis, Hoyos hopes to satisfy the identical shark once more, noting that it performs a job in conserving the ocean’s complicated internet of life intact. His message is evident: sharks aren’t monsters; they’re guardians of the ocean.
Defending these misunderstood animals begins with shifting our perspective. Assist ocean Conservation, select plant-based seafood options, and assist defend the steadiness that retains Earth’s blue coronary heart beating.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first revealed by One Inexperienced Planet on 14 November 2025. Lead Picture Credit score: Catmando/Shutterstock.
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