The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Are stingrays actually dangerous? 3 reasons you shouldn't fear these sea pancakes

  • Written by Jaelen Nicole Myers, PhD Candidate, James Cook University
Are stingrays actually dangerous? 3 reasons you shouldn't fear these sea pancakes

To beat the summer heat, many of us in the Southern Hemisphere are hitting the beach – and this raises our chances of encountering potentially dangerous marine life beneath the waves.

So should we be worried about stingrays? You might still think so, even if it’s been 16 years since the death of wildlife icon Steve Irwin.

Irwin wrangled some of the world’s most dangerous animals, from crocodiles to venomous snakes, yet it was a stingray that tragically took his life. When I tell others I study stingrays, they usually respond with shock, followed by a quick reminder about this. In fact, I am surprised when an Australian doesn’t mention it.

Despite their reputation as being dangerous, stingray-caused deaths are actually rare. Accidental injuries do happen, but understanding how and why “barbings” occur could help prevent them and help beachgoers overcome the stingray stigma.

Steve Irwin plays with a tiger cub
Steve Irwin died in September, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary underwater. AAP Image/Tony Phillips

The stingray stigma

The existence of a “stingray stigma” became obvious to me after I recently posted an Instagram reel demonstrating the proper technique for picking up a stingray. Despite the fact I’m well trained in this procedure, multiple commenters were flabbergasted I would attempt something so dangerous.

A few more suggested I should fling the stingray out of my hands to avenge Steve Irwin. We can assume these comments are jokes, but weeks after his death news reports[1] showed Irwin fans may have sought retribution when a handful of stingrays on Queensland’s beaches were found with their tails cut off.

Antipathy towards stingrays is likely influenced by media headlines[2] which often paint the animals in a negative light. Many reports about stingrays are coupled with terms such as “stingray attack[3]” but, in fact, they rarely act aggressively.

A rather docile cowtail stingray resting in the ankle-deep water. Jaelen Myers, 2022

Read more: 'I will miss them if they are gone': stingrays are underrated sharks we don't know enough about[4]

3 crucial facts about stingrays

So which rays should we watch out for and how do barbings happen? Here are three key facts:

1. More people die falling out of bed than from stingrays

Thousands of stingray injuries are reported worldwide each year but, interestingly, only five recorded deaths have been reported in Australia since 1945, and fewer than 20 worldwide.

Actually, more people die each year from falling out of bed – 73 people in Australia in 2021 alone, according to data[5] from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

2. Not all rays sting

I have been using the term stingray so far, but there are many types of rays. To clarify, all stingrays are rays, but not all rays are stingrays.

The term “ray” includes everything from skates, guitarfish, manta rays, devil rays, to true stingrays. Only the latter is characterised by a venomous barb, which it developed as a defence tool against larger aquatic predators such as sharks.

Common shovelnose ray - one of the many barb-less rays. Jaelen Myers, 2022

3. A stingray’s body is harmless - but it is slimy

The barb is the only part of a stingray you should be wary of. Since it is located close to the base of the tail on most species, the rest of the tail and the body are harmless to touch.

You’re only in barbing range if you stand nearly on top of their bodies, but they usually shuffle away long before you get that close.

When they feel threatened or are stepped on, rays may react defensively by jerking their tail. That’s why injuries are usually on the foot or ankle[6]. Injuries to extremities vary in severity and pain degree, but they aren’t usually life threatening.

Location of the venemous barb on a stingray’s tail. As they grow, they commonly grow a second barb. Jaelen Myers, 2022

Read more: Reef manta rays are in decline globally – but new research finds one place in Indonesia where these charismatic rays are thriving[7]

Love your local stingray

Knowing these facts hopefully eliminates some of the mystery and underlying fear about stingray strikes. Based on my experiences, I find stingrays to be gentle natured. My hope is to alter the general perception of them from dangerous to cute and gentle.

Fortunately, the growth of ecotourism is helping by providing people with memorable stingray interactions. Many aquariums around the world, such as the Georgia Aquarium in the United States, allow adults and children to pet and feed stingrays in touch tanks[8].

You may have also heard of Stingray City[9] in the Cayman Islands, which is famous for letting you snorkel with rays. At the DayDream Island resort[10] in Queensland, Australia, you can even feed them on your lap.

A group of kids learn how to feed stingrays at Daydream Island Resort. Jaelen Myers, 2022

Positive interactions with these animals can replace the stingray stigma with fascination and curiosity, which is important for promoting their conservation. A hefty portion of ray species worldwide are vulnerable to localised extinctions and declining population sizes under current levels of overfishing[11], including eagle and manta rays.

Increasing evidence also suggests more conservation efforts[12] are directed to popular, beloved species. Is there any doubt that we care more for panda bears than a slimy fish? Thus, learning to appreciate our ocean’s “sea pancakes” could be good for them in the long run.

My advice is to seek out a memorable stingray experience. If you see one at the beach, observe it from a safe distance. If you’re landlocked, take the family to the aquarium and touch one. Then you can decide whether it’s worth being afraid of them.

Stingray City, Cayman Islands is a tourist hotspot where people can get up close and personal with the resident stingrays. George Wauchope, 2023

Read more: It might be the world's biggest ocean, but the mighty Pacific is in peril[13]

References

  1. ^ news reports (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ media headlines (www.9news.com.au)
  3. ^ stingray attack (www.bbc.com)
  4. ^ 'I will miss them if they are gone': stingrays are underrated sharks we don't know enough about (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ data (www.abs.gov.au)
  6. ^ the foot or ankle (www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com)
  7. ^ Reef manta rays are in decline globally – but new research finds one place in Indonesia where these charismatic rays are thriving (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ touch tanks (www.georgiaaquarium.org)
  9. ^ Stingray City (www.stingraycitycaymanislands.com)
  10. ^ DayDream Island resort (www.daydreamisland.com)
  11. ^ overfishing (elifesciences.org)
  12. ^ more conservation efforts (nationalpost.com)
  13. ^ It might be the world's biggest ocean, but the mighty Pacific is in peril (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/are-stingrays-actually-dangerous-3-reasons-you-shouldnt-fear-these-sea-pancakes-196390

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping