What did the tiger shark really want?

[Viktor Jarikov]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEu1qsFMOdk
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/p ... affection/

As much as I'd like to believe what this is being interpreted as, I can't help but wonder what this large and well-fed (read safe) shark really wanted? Thoughts?

Sharks are said to be curious by nature often exploring and bumping into foreign (to them) objects in the seas. Or she thought it was a cleaning station, could that be?

[bekateen]

I can't imagine what was really going through its mind, but one of the YouTube comments said it best: "This particular shark is a very rare exception."

What comes to my mind? The movie "Grizzly Man".

[Viktor Jarikov]

Here is Jim swimming with a 14' tiger Emma and ABC crew in 2008: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/s ... r-20800019

[naturalart]

I have to agree with you Victor; tiger sharks, as well as many other kinds of sharks, bump into all sorts of foreign objects and they eat them too. If you go back in the historical literature even just a few years, you will see all sorts of things found in shark stomachs. I think the guy means well and the videos are a great promotions for sharks as well as people (and his business). But sharks are wild animals (haven't heard of a trained one yet). I believe the guy alluded to feeding stations? Looks like these sharks are looking for food, the guy rubbing on the head may be tolerated/a cue, in anticipation of food payoffs.
The videos prove that sharks are discerning (also earmarks of a 'calculating' predator). And although these videos can allay fears that sharks are just mindless killers, this is dangerous behavior for humans. And it should be predicated with a warning: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF INSURANCE!

[bekateen]

And it should be predicated with a warning: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF INSURANCE!

And perhaps a real doctor on board at all times, with an ample supply of sutures and clotting agents; perhaps they could avoid "dying on the way back to shore," as was reported in one of the videos. Sorry, I don't think I'll be swimming with sharks any time soon.

[naturalart]

Agreed.

[Viktor Jarikov]

As Jim said one of his partners was killed by such an encounter. Bled to death right on his boat. Jim was bitten into his arm too.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Interesting info by Koltsixx on here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... eally-want