The first recorded shark attacks in history were part of a group of deadly strikes that occured in New Jersey in 1916. Four deaths occured in a matter of 12 days, and the fallout included panic and a new fear of sharks. The events terrified the community and later inspired Peter Benchley to write JAWS. 

The shark attacks were not just deadly but very strange. Groups of shark attacks like these are not known to happen, and to this day no one knows for certain what type of shark was involved, if it was one shark or more, of even if all the attacks were from sharks. Today on "A Study of Strange" we discuss the real events, the victims, and how the attacks in New Jersey in 1916 lead to our modern fears of the apex predator of the seas. 

Joining us is guest Amy Schloerb! www.amyschloerb.com

Theme Music by Matt Glass