Imagine sitting by the beach on holiday. Suddenly, you spot something red and fleshy washing up on the golden shore. When you look closer, you realise it's a human leg.

That is what happened on a beach in Australia last week, when a surfer named Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark. Kai floated back to the shore and was rushed to hospital. When his leg washed up a few hours later, it was taken to the same hospital.

Last year, the number of deaths caused by sharks doubled - with 40% taking place in Australia. Rising temperatures make it harder for many animals to find food. Some are forced to leave their usual hunting grounds and sometimes then attack humans.

Dogs can become aggressive if they are too hot. Otters have assaultedPhysically attacked. people in Singapore and squirrels have attacked people in New York.

These attacks might show that conservation efforts are working and animal populations increasing. For example, wolves have been successfully reintroduced to European highlands in a process known as rewildingReturning developed or farmed land to its natural state by reintroducing species that once lived there. .

They should not draw attention away from the real victims of climate change though. In the past 50 years wildlife populations have declined dramatically, while the food industry kills around 79 billion land animals every year.

People should perhaps think twice before calling other animals aggressive. Most are just looking for food and shelter.

Are wild animals getting more aggressive?

Yes! Global warming means less space for wildlife, so more animal attacks on humans seem inevitable.

No! Predators are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. Occasional attacks shows that efforts to protect wildlife are working.

FOR YOUR SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CLUE GO TO STEP SIX IN THE SIX STEPS TO DISCOVERY BELOW.