I am Mike Coots, a shark attack survivor working to save a species that almost killed me.

I've heard that when people think they are just about to die, their "life flashes before their eyes." If this can in fact happen, did this happen to you?

All I felt was a really calm, at ease state. It was strange, although I thought I was going to die, it was not scary.

Were you afraid of the ocean after the attack and if so how did you get over that fear and back in the water?

What do you think about all the recent shark attacks that have been happening on the East Coast?

I was not afraid to go back in the water after the attack (my first time in was right where the attack happened). The ocean means everything to me and is part of my life. Much scarier to me a life without the sea than worrying about getting attacked again. My heart goes out to the victims of the recent attacks on the East Coast

why did the shark attack you ?

I don't know, but the water visibility was not clear and a bit of a fishy smell in the air. So I may of been mistaken for its natural prey.

What went through your mind during the attack?

It was a complete fight or flight reaction. I had a creepy chill go through my body and at the same time punched the shark in the nose and it let go.

Could you feel the shark bite your leg or did adrenaline keep you from feeling anything?

I felt no pain, only a lot of pressure, like someone heavy was sitting on my legs.

If I were attacked by a shark I'd probably die ... how did you survive?

My friend did some quick thinking and made a tourniqute out of the plastic leash on my board. That saved my life.

Was it hard for you to advocate for something that attacked you? Why did you decide to do that?

As I learned the science behind the importance of sharks in our oceans, it became clear I was in a unique position to help. There are a group of us shark attack survivors who advocate on behalf of shark protections worldwide. We try to dispel myths about sharks and shark attacks since we know they are such a important part of the ecosystem. Here is our Facebook page if you want to learn more https://facebook.com/sharkattacksurvivors

What is your favorite species of shark?

I would say Great White. So amazingly beautiful and mysterious.

How did it feel to be both made a tiger shark's bitch, and to subsequently make the tiger shark your friend?

Ironically honored!

Mike...your story in incredible! And the photos that you take are amazing! were you into photography before the shark encounter?

Thank you! I got into photography full time as a way to pass the time during the rehabilitation process.

What is one of your main reasons for trying to save sharks? Are there many people telling you how bad sharks are because they heard of your experience?

My main reason I love sharks and am working with others for protection is that they are a extremely important part of the health of our oceans. Without them, our seas would be in a very bad state. Yes, people hear my story and it scares them, thats why I do my best to inform and change their perception of sharks and shark attacks.