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SHARKS OF CAPE COD by Harrison Friedman Cape Cod is known for its luxurious beaches and beautiful summer weather. The Cape attracts millions of people every year to vacation and enjoy all the beautiful sights and amenities it has to offer. But, over the years, there has been a growing shark population on Cape Cod. It has been steady for the last decade and a half, ever since they were designated as a protected species in 2005. With the hunting of sharks halted and a flourishing seal pop- ulation, sharks have returned to Cape Cod for a steady food supply and the comfortable waters they need to thrive. Sharks have become a sort of icon in the media and culture of Cape Cod. With a place like Cape Cod where it is practically one large beach, it is no wonder sea life such as sharks have really made its way into our culture. Not only that but the media have also pushed this idea, such as the classic 1975 movie 'Jaws' which was filmed in both Falmouth and Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod has tried to turn away from its shark culture but in the last few years, it has learned to embrace it. You see many people on the Cape embrace this as well. In the summer, the Wellfleet Drive-In will often have showings of 'Jaws' every year. Almost every ocean-themed store or gift shop will have some sort of shark paraphernalia. The Cape has even embraced shark tours and will have many shark-themed activities for tourists to enjoy. Though sharks are not the dangerous animals media always sets them out to be, it does not mean we can throw caution to the wind. With advancing knowledge and technology we are able to find new ways to keep swimmers and surfers safe and also protect the sharks themselves. Facts and Misconceptions Sharks are not the mindless hunters that many believe they are and are more than what most media portray them as. For starters, sharks do not hunt humans like some believe they do. In fact, when there is an attack it is most likely due to many differ- ent variables. For instance, when a shark attack happens it can be due to a high activity of seals or other fish in the area that sharks like to eat. This paired with low visibility can make the shark mistake a person for a seal of some sort. Most attacks are only bites because as soon as the shark realizes that it www.summerguidecapecod.com 50