When Sharks Attack

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

Experts investigate cases where sharks have attacked people.

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

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

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