Shark bites to be studied in Florida

• Tweet

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Researchers in Florida say a unique scientific study of bacteria found in the mouths of sharks could lead to better treatments for shark bite victims.

Scientists from Nova Southeastern University will be gathering data from sharks captured during a three-day South Florida tournament to fish blacktip sharks from the beach, a university release reported.

"We are excited to gather scientific data from these incredible animals in order to learn more about the infecting bacteria from their bites and how to treat victims," lead researcher Nathan Unger of the university's College of Pharmacy said.

Florida consistently ranks high in the number of shark attacks reported annually worldwide, with about 25 percent of the approximate 100 incidents of reported shark bites a year.

The research, the first of its kind in the United States, could lead to results that will ultimately save lives in those attacks, the scientists said.