Meet the 3,6m "radioactive" Sharkzilla making a splash
South Africans are used to spotting the occasional notorious sharp-toothed animals on the coast, but this shark is on another level.
50 years after 'Jaws' instilled fear in the hearts of thousands, sharks are still considered the villains of the ocean.
While many argue that sharks have been the subject of an unjust smear campaign for as long as anyone can remember, there is no doubt that they still look quite scary.
Especially with those teeth.
While movies such as 'Jaws', a cult classic, and 'The Meg', a less serious shark horror featuring a prehistoric Megalodon, are works of fiction, scientists might have found the first example of fiction crossing over to real life.
It's once again that time of the year when the Discovery Channel investigates, educates, and fascinates with its annual Shark Week.
Shark Week is one of the Discovery Channel's most successful running television events.
In 1988, the Discovery Channel launched Shark Week, and it quickly became a fan favourite.
Now it's an annual celebration and a deep dive into sharks and all things shark-related.
The 2026 iteration has already delivered a viral sensation.
The 'Sharkzilla Takes New York' special sees host marine biologist Dr Craig O'Connell investigating an old nuclear waste dumping site and speculating about the result the radioactive material could have had on creatures in the area.
According to Dr O'Connell, the 15,000 barrels of nuclear waste were dumped in the Hudson Canyon, and 10 years later, when they went to check on the barrels again, they were found to be leaking.
If animals are subjected to nuclear waste, this could cause genetic mutations and abnormal growth. If this predator is genetically altered, it could be faster, stronger and deadlier than any predator on Earth.
The expert and team decided to name this specific apex predator Sharkzilla.
Sharkzilla is a monstrous mako shark that has made its appearance known in the waters of Long Island, New York, and it's done so in quite dramatic fashion.
The Florida Museum states that female mako sharks average 275 - 290 cm (9 - 9,5 ft), and the maximum size of a mako is about 400 cm (13 ft) in total length.
Which is the discovery of Sharkzilla is so shocking.
Sharkzilla, a female mako shark, measures a massive 3,6m (12ft), which is above average, and she has left a trail of carnage in her wake.
The alarm bells started going off when researchers first noticed mauled marine life washing ashore, which included a 60cm bite taken out of a humpback whale and another out of a grey seal.
Naturally, when a shark starts chowing on a humpback whale for an afternoon snack, people take notice.
Scientists started looking for extraordinary explanations, and that's what they found.
While animals being transformed by leaking nuclear radiation sounds like the plot of an average B-horror movie, O'Connell and his research team deployed baited underwater cameras to obtain the shark’s DNA.
The results were not as crazy but still offered a compelling explanation.
It was revealed that Sharkzilla was not a mutant but a pregnant, protective mother looking to feed herself and defend her offspring.
Once again, Sharkweek has showcased just how incredible and fascinating these creatures are.
Learn more about Sharkweek by watching the video below:
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Image: Discovery Channel/YouTube