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NOVA· Season 41 · Episode 20

Why Sharks Attack

S41E20·7.5·May 7, 2014·1h·PBS

In recent years, an unusual spate of deadly shark attacks has gripped Australia, resulting in five deaths in ten months. At the same time, great white sharks have begun appearing in growing numbers off the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, not far from the waters where Steven Spielberg filmed the ultimate shark fright film, Jaws. What's behind the mysterious arrival of this apex predator in an area where they've rarely been seen for hundreds of years? Are deadly encounters with tourists inevitable? To separate fact from fear, NOVA teams up with leading shark experts in Australia and the United States to discover the science behind the great white's hunting instincts. Do sharks ever target humans, or is each attack a tragic case of mistaken identity? And can a deeper understanding of shark senses lead scientists to design effective deterrents and help prevent future attacks?

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#6In Season 41of 15 rated episodes
#183All-timeof 287 rated episodes
+0.0vs season avgSeason 41 averages 7.5
2014First airedMay 7, 2014

Guest stars

Craig SechlerCraig Sechleras Narrator (voice)

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