The Matawan Man-Eater Mural
Matawan, New Jersey

The shark attacks that inspired the Jaws film series took place on New Jersey’s coastline in 1916. The ferocious shark was a Bull shark–and not a Great White as depicted in the movies. The Bull shark is considered by experts to be the most dangerous in the world due to its aggression and its ability to live in fresh, shallow waters near highly populated areas.

The infamous “Man-Eater of Matawan” found its final victims in Matawan–in a freshwater creek. After it was caught, killed and had its innard dissected, 15 pounds of human remains were found. It was responsible for 4 deaths as it swam north from Beach Haven into the Raritan Bay.

This mural marks the events of 1916.

In the woods… bones

And tons of dead fish (???) They were not fileted… they were just dead.