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Researchers explain how to avoid a shark attack

While scientists say it is rare for sharks to attack swimmers here, it can happen.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi is researching the sharks that call our waters home. Shark species including Makos, Hammerheads, and Bull sharks can be found in the waters off the Padre Island National Seashore.

Despite the different sharks found in our area, scientists say it is rare for sharks to attack swimmers here, but it can happen.

"I think everybody should just know that as you're going to the beach this summer you're likely to encounter one especially if you're swimming near a fisherman" Dr. Kesley Banks with the Harte Research Institute said. "So, there's a few things you can do to minimize some of your chances with an encounter: Don't swim near a fisherman, don't wear flashy clothes. I know it's fun to splash at the beach and I do it to, but minimize some of the splashing as that can cause you to look more like a prey fish." 

The Harte Research Institute is studying the migration and movement of sharks. Researchers with the institute say some of the marine animals can be tracked traveling all the way up the coast to New England and back!

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