Like most animals, they will bite if they feel the need to defend themselves. Other bull shark sightings in unlikely areas lack the same kind of proof. With the warming climate, and the potential summers as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, bull sharks could swim far from their coastal ranges to the north central U.S., Feldheim, who heads the Field Museums Pritzker Laboratory, told AccuWeather. While no one can say with absolute certainty, but it is a really good bet that Lake Michigan truly is shark free. While there have been occasional reports of bull sharks being found in freshwater environments such as rivers, it is unlikely that they would be able to establish a breeding population in a freshwater lake such as Lake Michigan. In many parts of Africa, the bull shark is known as a Zambezi shark while in parts of South and Central America its the Lake Nicaragua shark. The story has never been proven either way, and become somewhat of an urban legend in Chicago. There are also lots of ducks that can be found in the Great Lake area, such as the scaup and the old-squaw duck. A muskie took a bite of his foot, and the mans knee jerk reaction was to pull his foot back inside the boat, fish and all. When full-grown, they can reach a length of 8 feet and weigh over 100 lbs. We can look to the American eel for an example of a saltwater fish caught far from home. Lake Michigan is a popular place for anglers and there is plenty of fishing spots all over the lake. Bull sharks are normally found in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers in these warmer regions. The likelihood of the shark being in the lake naturally is incredibly low. Well, the answer might surprise you. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. It appeared in a magazine titled Killer Sharks: Jaws of Death. Could you investigate? Do They Attack Humans? We have lots more on the site to show you. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. The Northern Snakehead isnt aggressive toward people but will bite if they feel threatened. Bull shark sightings have been confirmed in the Mississippi River as far north as Alton, Illinois, but reports of the sharks being found in the Great Lakes are either hearsay or hoaxes, multiple experts told The Associated Press. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. However, these creatures are quite dangerous to the environment because they are an invasive species. This algae reproduces quickly in warmer environments when the movement of the water is slow and can survive in nutrient-rich waters. Or were they planted there. Which is to keep invasive species out. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in the United States of America. Steer clear of them, and youll be fine. He had caught the shark in Florida a couple of years before and kept it in his freezer, he said. As with any outdoor activity, it is important to exercise caution and respect the natural environment when enjoying the lake and its surroundings. Although conceivable, bull shark claims that far north are probably justanother April Fools joke. As with most invasive creatures, it has only a couple of predators within the lake, can reproduce quickly, and thrives in the Lake Michigan climate. She wrote various blogs, articles, and essays that garnered appreciation from readers. There was a shark found in Lake Michigan, but there has never been an attack. Rich Fasi of Traverse City says he found a dead 2-foot shark in the water while . On top of that, sharks do need salt water and salt to survive, even the ones that have developed the freshwater adaptation, so they wouldnt be able to survive in the Great Lake forever. A shark jawbone found in the Mississippi River in Northern Minnesota in 2017 turned out to be from a sand shark, which cant survive in freshwater and was most likely dumped there by a pet owner or prankster. With this being said, due to the distribution of Asian Carp through the Midwest and Mississippi waters, this could offer the Bull Sharks a reliable food source. Spending time in Lake Michigan doesnt seem to be any more dangerous than most other waterways, maybe even less so than in other parts of the country. The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future. They are bottom feeders, feeding on soft live food, such as worms, leeches, and insect larvae. Because of its size, Lake Michigan is located in a few states, which include Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and of course, its namesake, Michigan. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. On top of this, there are plenty of songbirds and other shorebirds that youre likely to come across if you find yourself on the shores of Lake Michigan. Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. A: In our business, its easier to prove something did happen rather than that it didnt and somebody made it up. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. The account to which you refer doesnt have much going for it. They only attack on occasion. Swimming in Lake Michigan is not dangerous because of the aquatic animals that live in the lake, instead it is the water currents that can drag people deep into the lake. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 2019 Copyright lakemichigansharkfree.com. Its highly unlikely that you will find bull sharks in Lake Michigan. There are more than 500 species of shark that currently live on earth and they can be found in every ocean. In other words, if there is a bull shark heading straight for you, trying to swim away probably wont help you. It wasnt a bull shark but a blacktip shark instead, but it was a shark non the less. So, if we compare bull sharks to other species of sharks, they are dangerous. Could you help me out or did I dream this? So, are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Juvenile bull sharks are free-swimming when they are born and the parents dont do much to protect them. It is quite unlikely that you will see a Bull Shark in the Great Lakes, especially as there isnt much food for them to eat, and a lot of barriers in their way to the lakes. It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. Bull sharks are the least known of the three. There have been documentaries on the Discovery Channel that talks about sharks swimming in lakes and rivers. But there are things boaters. Coming in at #3 on our most dangerous & aggressive sharks list, the bull shark is a force to be reckoned with. Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. A bull shark attacked a 7-year-old boy swimming in Lake Pontchartrain in 2014. How big are young bull sharks, how aggressive are adult bull sharks, and do they attack humans? Bull sharks have been discovered in the Mississippi River, which flows into Lake Michigan. Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? You could also run into a rattlesnake, black bear, or rarely, a gray wolf. Bull sharks are normally found in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers in these warmer regions. This is over 2,000 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and is comparable to a bull shark that once swam 2,500 miles up the Amazon River. Id always explain that sharks have never been documented this far north, but that usually didnt quell their fears. If you enjoyed this article, you can also check out our pages on thresher shark facts and are there penguins in the North Pole? Bull sharks have been discovered in the Mississippi River, which flows into. These swarms have not been described as very dangerous, as piranhas do not usually attack humans as represented in the media. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the sharks body to dilute. Florida led all states in each of those years. But as with everything else, we are more of a threat to them than they are to us. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy). Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. These parasitic fish are native to the Atlantic Ocean and were accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Ensuing publicity regarding the prospect of sharks in the lake brought forth a confession from a tavern owner, who said two of his customers planted the fish in the lake for him as a joke. Alligators Run Faster Than Humans. ring-billed gulls and terns. Similar to the bull shark, there have been sightings of piranhas in Lake Michigan. And other interesting facts. Ensuing publicity regarding the prospect of sharks in the lake and whether they posed a threat to swimmers brought forth a confession from a tavern owner (William Bathke), who said two of his customers planted the fish in the lake for him as a joke. Most importantly for this story, though, is that theres photographic evidence of the men in town with their catch. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. Lake Michigan is filled with many dangerous animals, however it is quite unlikely that sharks are one of them. This means if a bull shark did make the long migration north, it would have to head south again before winter. The Northern Snakehead Fish is probably the creepiest of all because it can wiggle-walk its way across the land to a new lake when it runs out of food in one. One of the most distinctive features is a triangle-shaped dorsal fin. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Exclusive shows & extensions. It was a real 29-inch shark not a fake, that two Coho fishermen pulled from the lake about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. Thanks to the Mississippi River, they have been found as far north as Minnesota and Illinois. Also, there have been no reports of any shark sighting in Lake Superior at all. Definitely big enough to be mistaken for a small shark. What are the 5 Great Lakes? We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Bull sharks have been discovered up to 1,000 miles deep into the Mississippi, but the waters are much warmer than those found in the Great Lakes. Theyve been overfished, like other plummeting shark populations worldwide, but their biggest threat is accidental capture in fisheries targeting other species, according to Oceana. Swallowing large amounts of it can also adversely affect your kidneys or liver. No one has reported seeing either fish in Lake Michigan though. Aug. 30, 2008, 9:30 PM PDT / Source: The Associated Press. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. Like all predatory animals, muskies are largely opportunists, and so might try to eat anything if they are hungry enough. Once theyve found a home, theyre difficult to remove. These large waves are called 'seiches' and can reach several feet (meters) in height, similar to saltwater waves in the ocean. Bull sharks have been found in some strange places, including Lake Pontchartrain following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina. In 1955, a young boy was reportedly bitten by a shark in the lake, and people have made a couple of other reports of seeing sharks there. It is the largest Lake in Central America and the 19th Largest Lake in the world, with a size of 3,191 square miles. There have been no instances of people being attacked by bull sharks in Lake Michigan waters, and any shark sightings have been theorized to be lake sturgeon fish instead. Well, the answer might surprise you! The Snakehead is a non-native, invasive fish whose only predators in the U.S. are anglers. Though there have been some reports of bull sharks existing in Lake Michigan, there has not been a lot of scientific evidence to support these claims, nor have any people been attacked. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Its a pretty varied diet, although bony fishes are the bull sharks primary source of food. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. However, if their numbers continue to drop as a result of climate change and commercial fishing, that could change. Things To Keep In Mind When, The 10 Best Shark Documentaries Ever Made, Are There Any Sharks In Myrtle Beach: 9 Common Sharks, Shark Attacks In Hawaii: Do They Happen Near Tourist, Do Bright Colors Attract Sharks? Though most sharks are saltwater species, the bull shark is a shark species that lives in freshwater environments. The bull shark belly is white and they have a dark grey body. The only sharks you are bound to find in the Great Lakes region are those in an aquarium, many of which are a few feet away from the lake waters rather than in the lakes themselves. Though they do not attack humans, they may use their powerful bite if provoked or startled. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. This then causes cells in the animal's body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. Just like the Loch Ness monster in Scotland, there are now rumors circulating that these creatures have been living around the towns of the Great Lakes for hundreds of years. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Global Shark Attack file: George Lawson case >>>, Dansby Swanson, bloodied by his own helmet, helps the Chicago Cubs shake off a weekend sweep with a 5-1 win, Discovery channeled. Thousands and thousands of people swim on Lake Michigan beaches every year, and the worst thing they have to fear are riptides and sunburn. Even boating or jet skiing through cyanotoxic water can cause health problems. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. Bull Sharks will rarely swim beyond the Mississippi basin. ACROSS AMERICA If you think sharks are a marvel or menace in the world's oceans only, youre wrong, according to a leading shark expert. Also, their other abilities are much stronger than other species of sharks as well. Although there have been no confirmed, scientifically proven sightings of sharks in Lake Michigan, there are still people who frequently claim that they do exist in the lake. What is Lake Michigans most dangerous animal? Bull sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks in the world. : Are There, 3 White Shark Cage Diving Tours In California, How Aggressive Are Bull Sharks? Theoretically, a shark that can survive in freshwater could make its way from the ocean to Lake Michigan, but it would take a while and its highly unlikely. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! However, these claims have been dismissed as rumors, as sharks are saltwater creatures and would not thrive easily in freshwater lakes, not even great white sharks. The surfer took a punch at the shark, which circled back after the initial bite and came at the teen, Bellone said. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. The odds of a shark attack are practically zero, despite the recent spate of shark bites on both coasts. He felt a painful tug on his foot, and just like the previous story, jerked his foot back into the boat, pulling a muskie with it. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. The fish was more than 3 feet long. In Lake Michigan, as with most shark species, the most active months . Compared to other requiem sharks, bull sharks are usually stockier and heavier, but there are larger sharks in this species. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. The boy's name is Trent and he is the first recorded case of a bull shark attack at this specific location. creative tips and more. Worldwide, bull sharks thrive in fresh water, according to Oceana, which said their freshwater routes of bull sharks have included the Nicaragua River in Central America and the Zambezi River in Africa. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Instead of following proper guidelines, they are prone to struggling against the currents, which causes them to exhaust all of their energy and get pulled under. If you are planning a visit to Lake Michigan, piranhas should not be a concern for you. Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. Cyanotoxins released from these blooms can cause rashes, skin blisters, and breathing difficulties just by coming into contact with your skin. In addition, scientists say that Lake Michigans waters are too cold for sharks and the odds are very slim that one would be able to survive there. At their biggest, bull sharks can stretch to around 13 feet, although its rare for them to grow this big. The species of shark in question is the Bull Shark. Sharks have been spotted in Lake Michigan for many years, and recent reports have gone viral. When I worked for the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, it was inevitable that every summer Id get approached by people asking about sharks in the Missouri River. The Great Lakes have inland beaches, similar to saltwater beaches, which are very popular with holiday goers. The main disadvantage being the lack of food that a shark would typically find in their natural habitat. This is highly unlikely because the water at the mouth of St. Lawrence is too cold. Films like Jaws have conditioned us to see sharks as the ultimate ocean predatorsman-eaters with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. It is important to note that there are no confirmed sightings of bull sharks in Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan Bull Shark. The presence of dangerous insects along the shores in summer, such as mosquitoes and venomous spiders, should also be looked out for. This does not influence our choices. 131 likes. The algal organisms bloom rapidly reproduce when the water contains a large amount of their favorite nutrients, the temperature becomes warm, and the water has low movement. How Aggressive Are Bull Sharks? 2. They attach themselves to other fish with a sucker-like mouth and feed on their blood, often causing significant damage and even death to their hosts. Petty Officer Richard Stanberry with the United States Coast Guard told us the Guard receives reports of sharks, alligators, and other pets being put into the lake, but assures you no attacks have been reported. Last year a group of biologists netted an adult in Cottonwood Lake, a shallow body of water more than 30 miles off the Yellow Medicine River in Minnesota. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. Shark bites this month have been reported much farther north. Nautical Milestone for the Duluth Autonomous Navy . Or, this report near Chicago in 2014 of a possible shark fin sticking up out of the water. Have you seen any dangerous creatures in or around Lake Michigan? At that moment, fortunately, a wave carried the surfer and the paddle board back to shore, he said. Bull sharks are at risk of extinction, according to Oceana, a conservation and research organization endowed by The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oak Foundation, Marisla Foundation, Sandler Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. American eels are born far offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and immediately migrate towards North America. Bull sharks have been found in mouths to rivers, such as the Mississippi river, that empty into the ocean, and even many miles upstream. In a book I was reading recently there is an account of an attack on a swimmer, George Lawson, in Lake Michigan. Though there have been many shark sightings in Lake Michigan, Phillip Willink, a well-respected biologist at the local Shedd . A bull shark would absolutely have the food sources available to become a resident here. They have been reportedly seen in Lake Michigan, although some instances, like this dead bull shark found on the lake's shore, are a bit uncertain. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Tanya always had a knack for writing which encouraged her to be a part of several editorials and publications across print and digital media. Sharks need several things to be able to survive, and they are all lacking in the Great Lakes. It is also known as a Ganges River shark. However, as with any area youre visiting, know what dangerous animals are around and how to avoid a confrontation if you come across one. It grabbed her foot, and she kicked it with her other foot, and the fish released her foot, but there were 25 lacerations, and she had to have surgery to repair tendons and get stitches. This is the first time that we are aware of that we have had anyone bitten by a shark, he said at a news conference. While the possibility of bull sharks in Lake Michigan may be intriguing, it is essential to base our understanding of the natural world on evidence and facts rather than rumors or unverified reports. Without it, most would probably write off the story as another example of fishermen stretching the truth. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! There is a lot more to it than that. This aggressive species of shark can reach speeds of up to 25 MPH or around 40 KPH. Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. Yet these shows and stories spark peoples imaginations that they think that a shark could be in the Great Lakes. The Bull Shark is the only species of shark that could potentially live in the Great Lakes waters. Bull sharks are primarily found in saltwater environments such as estuaries and coastal areas and are known for their ability to tolerate freshwater as well. The truth disclosed! They will eat almost anything and they have a particular fondness for fish. But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. Is it real? By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. A number of people have asked us about that. Many shark sightings have been credited to being hallucinations or mirages caused by the sun, or misidentification of a lake sturgeon fish, a large fish that is shark-like in appearance. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. An article from a Montana newspaper went viral in 2015 when it claimed that a fisherman caught a juvenile bull shark on the Missouri River, but it turned out to be an April Fools joke. It could happen more with climate change. These include being aware of any warnings or advisories related to harmful algal blooms, avoiding underwater hazards, and practicing good water safety habits.
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