The AP has published an article by Seth Borenstein with the evocative title: "Great white sharks hunt just like Hannibal Lecter."

The article simplifies dumbs down research done by Neil Hammerschlag and others on the predation methods of Great White Sharks on Seals. It isn't the information presented in the article or the research that is objectionable, but the language that is used. The comparison of Sharks to fictional serial killers is sensationalistic, slanderous, and just plain old sloppy writing. Listen:

The sharks had a distinct M.O.

They were focused. They stalked from a usual base of operations, 100 yards from their victims. It was close enough to see their prey, but not close enough to be seen and scare off their victims. They attacked when the lights were low. They liked their victims young and alone. They tried to attack when no other sharks were around to compete. They learned from previous kills.

[source]

Seals are not victims, they are prey. To call Seals victims is to imply that Sharks are inherently cruel and sadistic monsters just waiting to to kill your children and ruin your beach party. The article does go on to say that Sharks kill to eat and survive, not simply for "thrills." But, why make the connection between serial killers and Sharks in the first place then? This is Shark Porn. It is made in order to call attention to itself and boost ad revenue. It is irresponsible and reinforces negative stereotypes about wildlife. This is why thousands line up to trophy kill Sharks and then smile in front of bloody Shark corpses like they just did something worthwhile.

Sharks are not serial killers, people that hype them that way are,

--Sharky