The Big Apple's Bite: More Talk Than Teeth (Probably)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the land of opportunity, and, according to some dubious internet lore, the place where people bite each other more than sharks bite people?
That's right, folks. The internet has declared New Yorkers the ultimate chompers, leaving beachgoers feeling strangely safe. But before you start stocking up on mace and rabies shots, let's dig into this statistic with a shovel full of healthy skepticism.
She Said, Bite Me! But Did They Really?
The whole "New Yorkers bite more than sharks" thing stems from a fascinating (and slightly hilarious) study from the late 1970s by the New York City Department of Health. The study, which looked at reported human bites in the city, found that in 1977, there were around 892 chompers documented. Now, that sounds like a lot of gnashing of teeth, but here's the thing: a city with a population of millions is bound to have some disagreements that turn...bitey.
Sharks: Not Exactly Social Distancing Champions
Meanwhile, in the vast blue yonder, sharks aren't exactly known for their love of social distancing. However, unprovoked shark bites in the US are incredibly rare, with an average of just around 6 bites reported a year.
So, while New Yorkers might have a bit of a reputation, when it comes to actual chomping, sharks are still the undisputed champions.
Relax, Folks! It's Not a Biting Free-for-All
Here's the important takeaway: New Yorkers are not running around like rabid squirrels, randomly taking bites out of unsuspecting tourists. The reported bites were likely from situations like fights, play gone wrong (hey, kids will be kids!), or maybe someone just got a little hangry.
Still, it is a funny statistic, and a testament to the sheer vibrancy of New York City. After all, in a city that never sleeps, there's bound to be an occasional disagreement, and maybe, just maybe, a little biting action.
How To Not Be a Biter (Even if You're Feeling Hangry) in NYC
- Take a Deep Breath: New York can be intense, but violence is never the answer. If you're feeling frustrated, take a moment to cool down before you say (or bite) something you regret.
- Pack Some Snacks: Hangry is a real thing, folks. Keep some healthy snacks on hand to avoid those blood sugar crashes that might make you want to take a chunk out of the nearest hot dog vendor.
- Embrace the Hustle (But Not Literally): New York is a fast-paced city, but that doesn't mean you have to shove people out of the way. Be polite, patient, and you'll get where you're going eventually (and without any biting necessary).
- Channel Your Inner Comedian: New Yorkers love a good laugh. If you're feeling frustrated, try cracking a joke instead of clenching your jaw.
- Remember, We're All in This Together: Despite the fast pace, New Yorkers are a resilient bunch. Be kind, be patient, and who knows, you might even make a new friend (without any biting involved).