Sharks bite around the world (PHOTOS)

Sharks, those finned fish with fearsome jaws and sharp teeth, instill terror around the world.

Sharks frighten swimmers from Cape Cod to Cape Town and Australia.

The Discovery Channel has tapped into the primal fear with it 34th season of "Shark Week."

The week-long shark extravaganza will be hosted by SNL’s Andy Samberg, who has dubbed himself the “Chief Shark Officer.” Samberg will not only host the series but is set to swim with the sharks in the Bahamas.

Among other programs featured during the week are Rogue Sharks, Killer Sharks and Jaws Comes Home.

‘Shark Week’ has become such a phenomenon in its 34-season stint that some people plan the entire week around the series. Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri urges the U.S. Congress to resolve the debt ceiling crisis to allow all to focus on the "Shark Week" programs.

“But Shark Week is holy,” Petri writes. “And if this debate continues, we won’t be able to focus properly.”