Getting Attacked by a Shark: Listen, we all love Shark Week but don't let your imagination go crazy. Of the 375 species of sharks on earth, only 30 have ever been known to attack humans. According to the University of Florida, there are only about 50 to 70 worldwide shark attacks each year. That includes a number of "provoked" attacks, which means that the person —- not the shark —- made the first move. So unless you feel like taunting your local great white (if you happen to run into him?) your chances of staying safe are pretty high.