It's Shark Week, But These Things Are More Likely to Kill

Icicles, hot dogs, selfies and vending machines. These are just a few of the things the folks at Discovery Channel say are more likely to kill than sharks.

As the network kicked off its annual homage to all things shark, it took the time to put together a video casting a spotlight on these more probable killers. “Things More Likely to Kill You Than a Shark Attack” was published via the official Shark Week Facebook page before Sunday’s official start of Shark Week festivities.

Other serious “killers” included lightning and cows. The likelihood of dying by a lightning strike was estimated at one in 79,746 by the network. The chances of dying in a shark attack are about one in 3,748,067, according to the video.

See also:

• Shark Attack Numbers Break Record In 2015
• Shark Attacks: What Are The Odds?

Each year, Discovery puts a spotlight on what might be the most feared creatures in Florida waters. While the Sunshine State does lead the nation in the number of confirmed attacks, Discovery’s video shows there are plenty of other things worthier of fear.

Florida topped the nation and the world in the number of confirmed, unprovoked shark attacks in 2015. The tally of 30 Florida attacks in 2015 didn’t break the state record of 37, set in 2000. There were no shark-related fatalities in Florida last year, but there were six noted worldwide.

“Shark attacks in general are really a nonentity when we think of causes of mortality involved with humans,” George Burgess, the director of the International Shark Attack File, said in a previous interview. “It’s a lot more dangerous driving to the beach.”

And, as Discovery’s video points out, it’s probably more dangerous eating a hot dog, too.

Shark Week kicked off Sunday and continues through July 3. Shows premiering during this year’s tribute to the toothy creatures include “Jaws of the Deep,” “Sharks Among Us,” “Wrath of a Great White Serial Killer,” and “Shark Bait.”

For a complete lineup of Shark Week programs, visit Discovery online.