Are wild animals getting more aggressive? Recent attacks on humans suggest that global warming is bringing the natural world uncomfortably close.
Surfer's leg found after shark attack
Are wild animals getting more aggressive? Recent attacks on humans suggest that global warming is bringing the natural world uncomfortably close.
Imagine sitting by the beach on holiday. The sun is glinting off the sea and the waves are splashing over the sand. Suddenly, you spot something red and fleshy washing up on the golden shore. When you look closer, you realise it is a human leg.
Sound unlikely? Well, that is exactly what happened on a beach in Australia last week, when a surfer named Kai McKenzie was attacked by a great white shark. Kai escaped, floated back to the shore, and was rushed to hospital. When his leg washed up a few hours later, it was put on ice and transported to the same hospital.
Kai is not the only person to have a recent run-in with nature's wild side. Last year, the number of humans killed by sharks doubled - with 40% taking place in Australia.1
In July, two American fishermen were thrown into the sea when a humpback whale slammed into their boat.2 Meanwhile, in another part of America, a woman escaped an alligator assault during the Independence Day holiday.3
The number of attacks may be caused by global warming. Rising temperatures make it harder for many animals to find food. They are forced to leave their usual hunting grounds and may then occasionally attack humans.
For some people, this is a worrying trend. After all, if the world keeps getting hotter and populations keep getting bigger, attacks will increase.4 It will be dangerous for humans to spend time in nature if they are always at risk from wild animals.
Studies suggest dogs become more aggressive if they are too hot.5 Even relatively peaceful creatures are showing signs of violence. For example, there are stories of otters assaulting a British citizen in Singapore,6 and vicious squirrel attacks of people in New York.7
However, some people think this could be a good sign. Attacks show that conservation efforts are working and animal populations increasing. Protecting species like whales and alligators is important, even if these animals are sometimes dangerous to humans.
For example, over the past few decades, 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 hunt mainly deer and boar, but occasionally attack sheep and other livestock. Supporters of rewilding argue that this risk is justified by "the multiple benefits to people and nature" associated with the process8.
That said, animal attacks should not draw attention away from the real victims of climate change. According to the charity Greenpeace, in the past 50 years wildlife populations have declined dramatically, by an average of 69%.9 Global warming causes habitat loss on land and sea, disrupts seasonal cycles and weather patterns, and creates pathways for invasive speciesA non-native species that causes harm to an existing ecosystem by overpowering other species or bringing new diseases, usually after being introduced because of human activity..
It is easy to forget that people are predators too. Sharks might be frightening, but humans cause many more deaths. One campaigning organisation estimates that the food industry kills 79 billion land animals each year.10
This does not mean everyone should become a vegetarian. But it does mean that people should think twice before calling other animals aggressive. Most are looking for food and shelter - just like their human cousins.
Are wild animals getting more aggressive?
Yes: Global warming has damaged many habitats, while growing populations reduce the space left for wildlife. As a result, more animal attacks are inevitable.
No: Predators are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. Occasional attacks shows that efforts to protect these animals are beginning to work.
Or... When you look at the destruction caused by climate change and the meat industry, it becomes clear that humans are the most dangerous predators of all.
FOR YOUR SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CLUE GO TO STEP SIX IN THE SIX STEPS TO DISCOVERY BELOW.
Rewilding - Returning developed or farmed land to its natural state by reintroducing species that once lived there.
Invasive species - A non-native species that causes harm to an existing ecosystem by overpowering other species or bringing new diseases, usually after being introduced because of human activity.
Surfer’s leg found after shark attack

Glossary
Rewilding - Returning developed or farmed land to its natural state by reintroducing species that once lived there.
Invasive species - A non-native species that causes harm to an existing ecosystem by overpowering other species or bringing new diseases, usually after being introduced because of human activity.