While sharks have been seen as “bloodthirsty man eaters” that are out to get you in the ocean, a new study shows that people learning about sharks can reduce their fears and boost conservation efforts for the apex predators.
Shark researchers in the first-of-its-kind study looked at peoples’ perceptions of sharks. Overall, people were more likely to support sharks if they believed the animals could think, feel, or reason.
The study’s results could help conservation groups raise awareness and support for threatened species that may be viewed negatively by humans, according to the scientists from Cal State Long Beach.
