When Sharks Attack... and Why

Shark attacks are rare along the northern California coast until seven attacks in 2020 and 2021 leave investigators racing to find a cause.

An unprecedented surge of six shark attacks in just three weeks rocks the popular beaches of New York on one of their busiest days of the year.

In 2021, a spate of seven shark attacks rocks Florida's Treasure Coast, and beach goers want to know why.

Throughout the past decade in New South Wales, Australia, there have been 8 attacks by the mysterious wobbegong shark - more than double the number of attacks in the previous decade. This strange increase means that in this area, the wobbegong shark is second only to the great white in terms of number of attacks. Why has this once-docile predator turned menacing?

On Indonesia’s island of Bali, remote Balian Beach boasts black sand and idyllic sunsets. In 2010, the peace enjoyed by visitors and residents alike was suddenly shattered by a shocking shark attack – the first ever recorded along its coast. After six more attacks occur at the same beach, experts investigate what has changed at Balian. What makes this small stretch of black sand the most dangerous beach in all of Bali?

A frightening yearly phenomenon plagues the waters of Hawaii - every October, shark attacks here more than double. Residents and tourists alike are baffled by the annual uptick, which threatens the peaceful reputation of this tropical paradise. Investigators are on the case, exploring the island’s volcanic geography, exotic marine life, and human influence. What’s behind the mysterious occurrence, dubbed “Sharktober?”