Several shark-related incidents have occurred near New York beaches this week, raising concerns among swimmers and officials. Two men were bitten by sharks off Long Island, one in the hand at Fire Island Pines and the other in the knee in Quogue. These incidents happened just a day after two other reported attacks, bringing the total to four in a short period.

The first incident involved a 47-year-old man swimming in chest-deep water at Quogue Village Beach. While the shark was not sighted, the bite marks on his knee suggested a larger marine animal. He was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment. Shortly after, a 49-year-old man reported a hand injury from a shark bite near Fire Island Pines Beach. He was also transported to a hospital.

The Suffolk County Police Department has increased shark patrols, using marine and aviation units as well as drones, in response to these events. They are urging beachgoers to stay alert and to calmly exit the water and notify authorities if they spot a shark or a school of bunker fish, which often attract sharks. Earlier in the week, a beach delayed opening after drones spotted what was initially thought to be a large group of sand sharks, but was later confirmed to be another fish species.

On Monday, two separate incidents involved a 15-year-old surfer bitten on the foot at Kismet Beach and a 15-year-old girl treated for a possible shark bite on her leg. While the exact cause of the girl's injury remains unconfirmed, these incidents, along with those earlier in the week, highlight a concerning trend. Last year, New York had the second-highest number of unprovoked shark bites in the United States, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File.