SACRAMENTO, Fla. — The start of summer signals the return of shark sightings, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Last year, the number of unprovoked shark attacks increased worldwide, with over half of the incidents occurring in U.S. waters, the University of Florida’s International Shark File, a scientific database of global shark attacks, reported in February.

Among the 36 shark attacks in the United States, two were fatal — including one in California.

How common are shark attacks in California?

Here’s what our journalists with How to California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:

How common are shark attacks along the California coast?

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, “incidents where sharks bite humans are extremely rare in California.”

“While human beach use and ocean activities have greatly increased due to the growing population and greater popularity of surfing, swimming, and scuba diving, shark incidents have not increased proportionally,” the department said.

There have been 29 shark-related incidents in California since 2020 as of June, according to the latest data from the department.

Of these incidents, 12 did not result in any injuries, while 14 led to non-fatal injuries and three were fatal.

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