Authorities are using drones to patrol for sharks off the coast of Long Island after a spree of 5 bites in 2 days

• Long Island authorities are using drones to patrol its shores for sharks.
• The patrols come after a spate of shark bites on various beaches and even a sighting of 50 sharks.

Authorities are patrolling the waters along Long Island beaches using drones, following a disturbing spree of suspected shark attacks in the area that left five swimmers injured within just two days.

The Suffolk County Police Department said in a statement Thursday that its Marine Bureau and Aviation Section are increasing patrols of the local beaches and "utilizing drones for a birds-eye view on the local waterways."

As Insider previously reported, a 15-year-old boy was bitten while surfing near Fire Island on July 3. That same day, a 15-year-old girl was treated for three puncture wounds on her leg after swimming off the coast of Robert Moses State Park, News 12 New York reported.

Then, two men in their 40s and a woman were bitten nearby in separate incidents on July 4, according to CNN. All of the injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.

Robert Moses Beach was closed for over an hour on July 4 after officials saw a school of 50 sharks swimming off the coast. As Insider reported, the sharks were later deemed sand tiger sharks. According to the Shark Research Institute, sand tiger sharks are generally known for their "placid" disposition, though they can look frightening to swimmers. They typically only bite humans when agitated.

The police department warned beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings in the water.

"If you see a shark, or a pod of bunker fish that attract the predators, calmly exit the water and alert the lifeguard on duty or a local official," the statement said.