When Sharks Attack

The densely populated coastline of Southern California has suddenly come under attack by nature's largest and most ferocious predator, leaving unsuspecting beach goers at the mercy of a bloodthirsty beast with a taste for human flesh.

In April of 2008, the popular tourist destination of Zihuatanejo Mexico is transformed from a safe haven of crystal clear water into one of the most dangerous beaches in the world following three violent shark attacks, two of them fatal.

Florida's picturesque mid-Atlantic coast has long been a popular destination for surfers and swimmers, but three recent shark attacks in a 24-hour period are spreading fear across the beaches. Join Nat Geo WILD as we investigate the shocking attacks to find out what turned these peaceful shores into a feeding ground for unwanted visitors -- and if it will happen again.

In 2005, shark attacks along the Gulf of Mexico exploded, five times more than the average. The cause is a mystery to locals and experts, and the answer could devastate thousands of miles of American coastline.

Between 2012 and 2013 Maui, Hawaii is rocked by an unprecedented wave of shark attacks, 3 times more than average, leading scientists and state officials to wonder what’s happening, and when the sharks will strike next.

Tourists flock to the beaches of North Carolina and Virginia for their safe calm waters. But beneath the serenity of this Atlantic coastline a dark danger is lurking. There have been 2 spikes in shark attacks a decade apart.

The Carolina coast boasts 500 miles of safe sandy beaches, making it a premiere tourist destination. But in 2015, this family vacation hotspot became a shark attack hell. Day after day, adults and children had dangerous encounters, eventually totaling an unprecedented 16 victims. Limbs were lost, lives were changed, and we are on a mission to figure out why.

The Bahamas is a nation of 700 islands with some of the most biodiverse marine life. Despite being home to 40 species of shark, attacks on humans were unusual until 2002. What caused this increase that left multiple people maimed or dead?

Once the filming location for the infamous movie "Jaws", Cape Cod laughed at the unlikely association with fishy predators. But in 2012, the peaceful tourist destination suddenly comes under siege from sharks.

A rugged coastline renowned for its picturesque cliffs and sandy beaches just north of San Francisco becomes a nightmare in 2004 when the area is stunned by four separate shark attacks over the course of six months.

Usually a pristine location, the waters of Cancun suddenly becomes a hotspot for shark attacks between 2011 and 2013, with six attacks along its shores.

In 2015, Oahu is the site of three mysterious shark attacks in just under three weeks, with two victims suffering life-changing injuries.

In 2006, the Oregon coast is plagued by an alarming anomaly: 3 shark attacks in 3 months.

In 2015, the northern coast of New South Wales, Australia is devastated by 9 shark attacks. What is behind this spike in shark encounters?

A remote town in South Africa is terrorized by a series of fatal shark attacks that leaves the community reeling. The question is: why?

The first ever spate of shark attacks on the Jersey Shore leaves four beachgoers dead, and a nation terrified. So, why did it happen?

La Réunion is dubbed “shark island” after a series of deadly attacks. 23 incidents including 9 fatalities. Investigators are racing to figure out why.

In Western Australia, shark attacks are on the rise… and investigators are racing to find out why.

In the summers of 2017 and 2018, three beachgoers are attacked by sharks off the shores of Cape Cod, including the first shark fatality in Massachusetts in more than eighty years. Experts scramble to get to the bottom of this terrifying spike.

Southern California is the site of a shocking twelve shark attacks in just two years. Experts race to solve the cause behind this frightening spike.

The “shark attack capital of the world” is closer than you think — in Florida.

Investigators try to uncover the cause behind South America’s deadliest coast.

Two children are attacked by sharks just miles apart, within one hour of each other.

In 2011, the Seychelles archipelago is rocked by two deadly shark attacks in two weeks.

Investigators seek the cause behind a strange surge of shark attacks in Texas.

In the last decade, alone there have been twenty-seven shark attacks in South Africa's Western Cape, including eleven fatalities and two amputations, and the numbers keep growing.

Three beachgoers in the Bahamas are attacked by sharks and one of the attacks is fatal; locals and vacationers alike are left reeling and the country's $1 billion tourism industry is suddenly in peril.

In the span of just ten minutes, four swimmers fall prey to shark bites at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a team of investigators try to uncover the truth behind these mysterious attacks.

Between 2013 and 2015, the tropical beaches of Hawaii are the site of nine shark attacks. In the wake of these tragic events, experts are determined to find out what’s behind this string of horrifying encounters.

In 2019, the pristine beaches of North Carolina were the site of four shark attacks in less than two months, prompting experts to investigate.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

A small Alabama beach town emerges as an unlikely shark attack hot spot.

Two unlucky ocean lovers are attacked by sharks twice.

Three alarming shark attacks occur in the Bahamas in just thirty-nine days.

Ten shark attacks leave visitors reeling off Florida's Space Coast in 2003.

Los Angeles is shocked by four shark attacks in four months.

Hawaii is shaken by three bizarre shark attacks in less than five months.