Red Tide Rising: The True Story of the 1916 Jersey Shore Shark Panic - Part 1 of 2

The summer of 1916 saw the US engulfed in an oppressive heat wave. An epidemic of polio swept America's major cities as America's families huddled at home, pensively listening to news of "The Great War" and wondering if the USA would get drawn into the conflict. For those of means, the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean promised sweet relief from the summer heat, wide open spaces and fresh air to escape the plague-stricken city, and an opportunity to forget the horrific violence playing out just beyond the horizon. It must have seemed as though no place on earth could be safer - until...

 

In this first episode of two parts, we will review the circumstances of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark fatalities and the terror that gripped America. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will break down America's response to the attacks, review shark conservation policy over the years, and take a look at what can be done in the present day to minimize human-shark conflicts and preserve these magnificent creatures.

 

Pairs well with: Travel to any ocean or beach area! Especially New Jersey and the Jersey Shore, including US Highway 9 in particular.

 

Knowledge Nugget: Top Five Fun Shark Biology Facts

 

Deep Dive:  Twelve Days of Terror - book by  Richard Fernicola, MD

 

For news and updates regarding Nerd Roamer Podcasts, you can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @nerdroamer. You can also check out our website at nerdroamer.com for show notes, episode collections, and bonus material. If you have a question or comment on an episode, you can reach us at nerdroamer@gmail.com, and you might just find your question featured in our Listener Mail segment!

 

Roam Wisely, Nerds.