Wild blacktip sharks swimming off the Florida coast can detect low-frequency sounds from nearly 250 feet away, according to new experiments. Researchers played underwater sounds and observed the sharks' responses. The sharks not only heard the sounds but also changed direction sharply, moving away from the source. That behaviour suggests they could pinpoint where the sound was coming from, not merely register its presence.
The findings add to a growing picture of how sharks use hearing to navigate and avoid danger. Low-frequency sounds are common in the ocean, produced by struggling fish and other prey, but also by boat engines and other disturbances. Being able to locate the source of such sounds from a distance could help sharks find food or steer clear of threats.
The experiments were conducted on wild animals in their natural habitat, which gives the results real-world relevance. However, the study focused on a single species, blacktip sharks, so it remains unclear whether other shark species share the same level of directional hearing.