The Real Story of "Jaws" and the 1916 New Jersey Shark Attacks

Four people were killed and one injured in a wave of shark attacks along the New Jersey coast in 1916. While history blamed a great white, modern experts suggest a far more adaptable—and dangerous—suspect: the bull shark. In July 1916, a series of shark attacks along the New Jersey shore left four dead and one injured, sparking nationwide panic and later inspiring the iconic film Jaws. While a great white shark was captured and blamed, modern science points to another predator: the bull shark. Renowned for its ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater—and its aggressive behavior—the bull shark may have been the true culprit behind the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks. In this episode of Dark Outdoors, we: Revisit the chilling events of 1916 and their cultural impact Examine evidence that challenges the “great white” narrative Explore the bull shark’s unique adaptability and hunting behavior Speak with a Texas shark expert about population trends Reveal a promising, simple shark deterrent that could protect both people and sharks in the future Whether you’re fascinated by true crime, marine biology, or ocean predators, this episode dives deep into one of the most infamous—and misunderstood—shark attack stories in history.