Re: [Paddlewise] Shark story stats

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 10:35:07 -0500
Jackie Fenton wrote:
> 
> Marine
> researchers and scientists make the point that the vast majority are
> harmless ("gentle" and "trusted" are Saletan's words and, in his effort
> to poke fun at scientists and researchers as well as conservationists,
> he deliberately omits the distinction between the species... informing
> the reader of the real facts is not his goal).

This article reminded me of the line from Bill Bryson's book _A Walk in
the Woods_ about the Appalachian Trail, which I quote from memory:

"We know from statistics that the chances of being eaten by a bear are
very low, but--and this is the absolutely crucial part--if it's you
that's eaten, once is enough"

I'm much more worried about jetskis, hypothermia, and poisonous jellies
than I am about sharks, but if one bites me I'll bet it will ruin my
whole day. Won't for an instant keep me off the water, of course, and
I'll consider a shark sighting a rare priviledge.

-- 
Steve
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Received on Tue Feb 26 2002 - 12:51:27 PST

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