Around 20 percent of all shark bites occur in October, according to researchers at the University of Hawaii who analyzed statistics over 30 years. That's far more than any other month.
Tiger sharks account for 63 percent of incidents, and the study links the increase to their reproductive cycle, when the young are born in September and October.
The researchers hope the results will help people be aware but not afraid.
"The increase in October is real, but the overall risk is still very low. It seems to be due to the biology of the tiger shark, not to more people being in the water," said Professor Carl G. Meyer, who led the study, in a statement.
