Shark encounters have surged this summer, particularly in Florida and Texas, where several swimmers have been bitten, though most injuries were non-life-threatening. These incidents have prompted Congress to review shark interactions with fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, where fishermen blame sharks for eating catches off their lines. Meanwhile, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is reopening its Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program, aimed at educating the public about sharks and promoting conservation efforts. Research indicates that environmental changes, such as warmer water and overfishing, may be driving sharks closer to shore, increasing the likelihood of human encounters. Additionally, studies show that sharks in certain regions are primarily scavengers, feeding on seabirds rather than large mammals. Overall, while sharks have a fearsome reputation, many species are endangered and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.