# Why do they kill animals after they've eaten a human? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 10, 2001, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-kill-animals-after-theyve-eaten-a-human/49393 "2001-01-10T20:27:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2001, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-kill-animals-after-theyve-eaten-a-human/49393/41 "2001-01-12T21:58:04Z")
**Cervaise said:** > [@](#): > > The “punch the shark in the nose” defense is a myth. I read this recently, in the last few months. I can’t look up the cite right now, but it was certainly in one of two places. It was either in The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, or it was in National Geographic’s issue with the shark on the cover. I’m fairly certain it was the latter. > > At any rate, the article specifically debunked this survival method. Punching it in the nose, the expert said, would have almost zero effect. Instead, he suggested, if you can reach it, poke it in the eye. 'Course, problem is, if you can reach the eye, it probably means you’re already in the shark’s mouth, and might have other things on your mind… Page 46 of [my copy of] “The WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook” has the following advice on “How to fend off a shark”: > [@](#): > > Contrary to popular opinion, the shark’s nose is not the area to attack, unless you cannot reach the eyes or gills. Hitting the shark simply tells it you are not defenseless. Of course, YMMV… I’m not sure how authoritative this book REALLY is, entertaining though it be. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-kill-animals-after-theyve-eaten-a-human/49393.md?page=2)