Scientists Find Evidence of the Oldest Known Shark Attack on a Human From 3000 Years Ago

Sharks as predators are one of the most vicious creatures in the world. Their attacks can completely eviscerate their targets, a proof of which was unearthed in Japan. In 2021, a team of researchers found the consequences of a shark attack on a 3,000-year-old skeleton, according to Science Alert. Findings regarding the man's injuries were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

The remains were discovered at the Tsukumo Shell-mound archaeological site. He was reportedly buried in the Tsukumo Shell-mound cemetery site, which served as the local community's burial ground. Researchers found 800 injuries on the skeleton, but for a long time were unable to determine the source of these markings.

Analysis by Oxford-led researchers showcased that the injuries were possibly caused by a shark, according to the University of Oxford. If the assertion turns out to be true, then it means this is the earliest evidence of a shark attack in human history. Experts reached the conclusion using multiple archaeological sciences and forensic techniques. The man was labelled as No.24 by researchers in the examination.

Examinations revealed that the man died around 1370 to 1010 B.C. The injuries spread across the victim's body led experts to conclude that the individual was alive at the time of the attack. The man's left hand had been severed, which researchers think happened while defending against the attacker. His body was possibly recovered soon after the attack and appeared to have received a proper burial. Excavation records claim that his right leg was missing, while his left leg was placed just above the man's body in an inverted position.

Researchers noted that the injuries were concentrated on the legs, arms, abdomen, and front of the chest. Experts, through a process of elimination, determined that the markings weren't facilitated by humans and also ruled out other common predators of that time. The features of the tooth marks and the way they were spread over the body hinted to researchers that it could be associated with a tiger or a white shark. These sharks typically don't attack without provocation. Hence, this is also one of the few instances in this relationship where the shark was the predator and not humans.

Experts especially zeroed in on these species because they are found in abundance within the Seto Inland Sea, which is near the archaeological site, according to Live Science. The team had made a model of the victim using X-ray computed tomography (CT). The model suggested that the individual's chest cavity and abdomen had absolutely nothing inside them. The long bones of arms and legs had bites from various directions, which implied that sharks continued to roam around the victim and feast on him even after his death. The trauma on the skeleton clearly indicated to experts that the man was in the shark's grasp for a long time.

Though the markings are similar to what is produced on humans after a shark encounter, there was one other animal researchers have not been able to exclude, according to Science Alert. Despite their best efforts, researchers were not able to distinguish between tigers (Galeocerdo cuvier) and sharks. Future examinations with advanced tools could possibly clear the picture.