While most scientists are hesitant to use the phrase "Rogue Shark" it does seem rather coincidental that several people have been attacked in the Outer Banks recently within a short time period.

According to Dan Abel, a professor of marine science at Coastal Carolina University, the recent attacks in the Outer Banks are more in line with an attack from a single Bull Shark.

"Many shark biologists distinguish between a bite and an attack based on severity. Bites will usually occur with blacktip sharks in shallow water," Abel said. "The shark thinks it's pursuing a fish, but it bites your foot or your hand, and it immediately releases you."

However, the young people who were attacked weren't just bitten and then released, in fact, each victim lost an arm when they were attacked.

The idea of a rogue shark terrorizing the beaches of North Carolina seems strange and bizarre. Almost as if strait from a movie. However the likelihood of a Shark attack is still extremely rare. In 2014 there were a total of 72 attacks worldwide that were unprovoked by people. Most people have a higher change of being attacked by a vicious dog each year.1

Source: LiveScience.com

Infographic by LiveScience.com