With respect, Bob, I am speaking from experience and am not attempting to
employ false information in order to defend a point. I have worked in two
locations where we were fortunate enough to have resident sharks, including
nurse and leopard sharks. After harassment by one (no longer welcome) dive
guest, a large nurse shark stopped using the sheltered over-hang it had been
using since anyone could remember. Combined with other reports I have heard
and read, I believe there is a firm causal connection between harassment and
abandonment of safe retreats by nurse sharks.

In answer to MB's Q, I have not noticed such behaviour in other sharks.
Among individual black-tip reef sharks and leopard sharks I have noticed
that some are more 'timid' than others, and so are more wary of divers after
they have been 'spooked'.

Regards,

Andy