Getting to Know the Great White Shark

By: Kate M. Serrano

To those who have ticked swimming off their bucket list after watching episodes of “Jaws”, the great white sharks may have struck them as vicious man eaters. Partly correct, partly incorrect. Although the great whites (Carcharodon carcharias) are the world’s largest known predators of marine mammals and are ranked first in having the most attacks on human, we are not their preferred prey. Great whites are very curious and most so-called “attacks” appear to be motivated by curiosity rather than a desire to feed. Their attacks on humans are rare and not fatal. It is their size and efficiency as predators that inflict unnecessary fear. Great whites use their speed and coloring for hunting. They search for prey at the surface while swimming below. Once a target is identified, they use a burst of speed to bump the poor prey while simultaneously biting it. They have thousands of teeth that are sharp and strong enough to tear their bigger preys apart. As teeth fall out, they are rapidly replaced by those in the row behind them. Therefore, unless you’re a seal, a fish an orca, sailing the deep ocean is not much to be fearful about.

Ironically, the great white is far more threatened by humans than we are of them. They have very less commercial value yet the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) have listed them as vulnerable and is on the verge of being endangered due to overfishing  –they are often killed for sport and for their jaws, teeth and fins. Marine biologists do not have the exact numbers on the great white population, but they're seen very rarely. Lucky enough great white sharks have are protected in South Africa, Australia and the United States. How can we help? Stop the purchase of great white jaws or items made from their fins. 

  

Sharing is Not Always Loving

Kate M. Serrano

That’s correct. Sharing may not always mean loving. Such is the case for sharing a bed with your pets. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), roughly half of all dogs and 62 percent of cats in the U.S. sleep with their owners. While humans do benefit with this arrangement, there are a few factors to consider when sharing a bed with one’s pet.

Pets offer physical comfort. Animal company provides a positive result and may mean a more restful night. Having pets around lowers blood pressure while reducing loneliness and stress. These benefits are magnified when your dog is allowed to sleep with you. Cats are also cuddly and therapeutic but it may be a little trickier to sleep with. Because of their nocturnal nature and hunting instincts, a little of your tossing and turning may be enough to provoke a playful kitty. It can be harder to fall back to sleep after booting it out of the bedroom  as cats do not react well if you take away territory.

The risk of getting sick is another consideration. In rare cases for example, pet owners can become ill after making mouth-to-mouth contact with their pets which can easily occur while sleeping. Children can contract diseases after sharing beds with a flea-ridden cat. Or people who are sensitive to dust, pollen and fur may develop pet allergies. Kids, the elderly, and individuals with unstable immune systems will have to consider this as they are most vulnerable to diseases.

Dogs shed fur, cats may have dirty paws. If you don’t mind changing sheets or sending the comforter to the dry cleaner, then it shouldn’t be an issue. If you worry about the sheets being ruffled or the pillows scratched then it may be a good idea to make room for your pet in another spot.

There is no harm letting your pet share a bed with you but if this causes sleep-related issues then it is best to reconsider your night time arrangements. You may want construct a designated sleeping space for your dog or cat in another part of the house, somewhere warm and comfortable for them so you don’t feel as guilty booting them out of the bedroom.