The bull shark is one of the few sharks that have the ability to adapt to freshwater conditions. How big are young bull sharks, how aggressive are adult bull sharks, and do they attack humans? A: Youre correct in recalling that a shark was found, but you must have dreamed the attack. So, yes, bull sharks can swim into freshwater and we think they can stay there for several years possibly.[1]. It was a real shark, but a hoax. Snapping turtles do live in and around Lake Michigan and are native to the area. Pro Tip: After searching for creepy creatures in Lake Michigan, explore these 7 Amazing Waterfalls in Michigan. Thanks to the Mississippi River, they have been found as far north as Minnesota and Illinois. Though most sharks are saltwater species, the bull shark is a shark species that lives in freshwater environments. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. then why not take a look at What cheese does Chipotle use? Like all predatory animals, muskies are largely opportunists, and so might try to eat anything if they are hungry enough. That doesnt mean itll never happen, though. Pirhanna and Pacu are also fish with sharp teeth that have been known to bite people. That compares to 47 shark attack bites in 2021, 36 shark attack bites in 2020 and 50 shark attack bites in 2019. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. The species of shark in question is the Bull Shark. In terms of water chemistry, Lake Michigan has a relatively low salinity compared to the ocean, with an average salt concentration of around 0.1%. By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. However, they can also be prey for other, larger sharks. The main disadvantage being the lack of food that a shark would typically find in their natural habitat. There are more than 500 species of shark that currently live on earth and they can be found in every ocean. In 2020, 53 people drowned in Lake Michigan, setting a record for yearly drowning deaths. A: The story is pure myth. This is an invasive species, which has a dorsal fin and tail like a shark. This anecdotal story is of a Wisconsin man who was dipping his foot over the side of his canoe. It is relatively shallow compared to other great lakes, with an average depth of around 85 meters, and is connected to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac. Typically, you will find a Bull Shark in freshwater all over the world. Similar to the bull shark, there have been sightings of piranhas in Lake Michigan. 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. 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 means if a bull shark did make the long migration north, it would have to head south again before winter. Bull Sharks can and do survive in freshwater for quite a while, and reports have shown them to be several miles upriver from their normal habitat. It doesnt happen often, but some shark species can thrive in freshwater, and climate change could increase the chances of an encounter with a shark in the landlocked Midwest, Kevin Feldheim, who conducts shark research at Chicagos Field Museum of Natural History, told AccuWeather. 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. However, the lamprey are difficult to eradicate because the larval forms dig into the sediment and can live there for up to ten years. 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. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. The water itself isnt the problem, but the temperature is. Yes, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. Though scientists dont quite have an answer as to why they can do this, they are searching for a way to understand it. So, believe what you feel is right! [Global Shark Attack file: George Lawson case >>>]. A bull shark would absolutely have the food sources available to become a resident here. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The Great Lakes have inland beaches, similar to saltwater beaches, which are very popular with holiday goers. Bull sharks have been discovered in the Mississippi River, which flows into Lake Michigan. With that said, there have been anecdotal reports of sharks found dead or sighted in Lake Michigan over the years, but all of them are most likely hoaxes, or possibly mistaken identity, confusing what appears to be a shark-like fish in shallow water with native species like Lake Sturgeon or Muskellunge. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. They must swallow their food whole because they dont have any teeth. Take this example of an 11-year old girl in Minnesota. Your email address will not be published. Theyll then head up freshwater streams such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers where theyll spend 10 to 25 years maturing. When it comes to Bull Sharks, it is known that they hunt for quite large prey. When it comes to freshwater, there arent many positives for sharks. These waves can hit very hard, and surprise attacks can catch people off guard and drag them into the undertow. Thus, they may end up in the lakes during the end of summer because the water is slightly warmer. Swimmers should not take swimming in Lake Michigan lightly. They will eat almost anything and they have a particular fondness for fish. A bull shark would have to travel up the Mississippi, through a complicated lock system, and while its possible it could have reached Lake Michigan in the past, now there are barriers in place to prevent the spread of invasive species of Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes. 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. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the sharks body to dilute. 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. Once again, Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that could withstand the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes. They have been found in rivers all over the world. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. In other words, if there is a bull shark heading straight for you, trying to swim away probably wont help you. However, Lake Michigan is a large freshwater lake located in the northern United States, far from the typical habitats of bull sharks. They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. They are also opportunistic predators and will seek to eat quickly. For. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. A scientific journal published just a few months ago revealed a new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. Is It Possible For A Shark To Swim Backwards? With limited prey, they will then struggle to mate during the breeding season. Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. Though bull sharks have been spotted up the Mississippi River, it is nearly impossible for them to reach the Great Lakes due to numerous physical obstacles. This then causes cells in the animals body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. The lake has a surface area of over 58,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The salt concentration is lower than that of the ocean, but higher than freshwater. 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. So lets dive in! These include being aware of any warnings or advisories related to harmful algal blooms, avoiding underwater hazards, and practicing good water safety habits. Though bull sharks have been spotted in the Mississippi River, which joins Lake Michigan, they most likely do not make their way to the actual lake from the ocean because of the presence of locks and dams which make this journey tricky. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in North America and is the largest freshwater lake entirely within the United States. Explore the latest news & podcasts. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. It has an eel-like body, and its mouth is large and round with numerous rows of sharp teeth. They could be hoaxes due to these reasons. Bull sharks are a species of shark found in warm, shallow waters around the world. Also known as blue-green algae, its common in many lakes and waterways around the world. This creature is also very adaptable and can reproduce very quickly. Its highly unlikely that you will find bull sharks in Lake Michigan. Rumor has it that a Bull Shark was once caught in Lake Michigan in the 1950's but that's about all the information we have. We have lots more on the site to show you. There are still a few questions to answer about this shark species, so lets take a look! There havent been any reports of any sharks in Lake Michigan. Hence, the chances of seeing the fins of a shark during the summer seem quite rare and improbable, as the shark would have to swim past many barriers unnoticed. Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). ring-billed gulls and terns. 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. Under the right conditions, they more or less live there. Thousands and thousands of people swim on Lake Michigan beaches every year, and the worst thing they have to fear are riptides and sunburn. Bull sharks are commonly found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, and in coastal areas such as bays and lagoons. Although conceivable, bull shark claims that far north are probably justanother April Fools joke. Unlike sturgeon, muskies are predatory fish, having a diet consisting of other fish up to a third as big, crayfish, small mammals, and waterfowl like ducks. Bull Sharks will rarely swim beyond the Mississippi basin. This website participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These large freshwater turtles have very flexible necks, which they can extend and retract at lightning speed. Mainly due to the eclectic barrier found by Chicago. Id always explain that sharks have never been documented this far north, but that usually didnt quell their fears. It is very probable that the Rock Sturgeon, also known as the Lake Sturgeon is mistaken for a shark. Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! They only attack on occasion. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 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. Then it is possible that Bull Shark could live in the Great Lakes for a while if it came in from the ocean. 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? In Lake Michigan, as with most shark species, the most active months . If you swallow any water with these toxins in it, you could end up with gastrointestinal or even neurotoxic issues including vomiting, numbness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Most of these accidental captures take place when these sharks are upriver, Oceana said on its website, adding that while bull sharks are occasionally targeted in culling operations to increase beach safety, those practices have done little to protect people from sharks. Taking in enough contaminated water can damager your liver or kidneys. They are not true freshwater sharks. The animals surrounding Lake Michigan may be more dangerous than anything in the water, except the cyanobacteria. Another example is cataloged in the Global Shark Attack File, a listing to track shark attacks by the non-profit Shark Research Institute. Cyanotoxins released from these blooms can cause rashes, skin blisters, and breathing difficulties just by coming into contact with your skin. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! The name Carcharhinus leucas comes from the Greek words for shark and nose, while the bull shark name stems from the creatures short, thick, and stocky frame. Lake Michigan is known to have trout, salmon, and bass, making it perfect for fishing trips. The fact that bull sharks live near the coast and in rivers gives them easier access to humans and they are known to attack. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Alligators Run Faster Than Humans. All You Need To Know. These parasitic fish are native to the Atlantic Ocean and were accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. This aggressive species of shark can reach speeds of up to 25 MPH or around 40 KPH. Is it real? Most of these sightings do turn out to be a hoax, but that doesnt stop new sightings from pouring in every year. There is believed to be one species of the shark that is able to survive in the Great Lakes. Though there have been many shark sightings in Lake Michigan, Phillip Willink, a well-respected biologist at the local Shedd . We called the publishers of the magazine in Montreal and were told by staff member Jack Dean: Oh that. Pacu, on the other hand, have been seen in southeastern Michigan. This blooming is when the toxins are produced. 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. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. Just like with whales, there have been many shark sightings over the years and humans have started to create interesting stories alongside these sightings. Such as smaller shakers or large bony fish. 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. Black and white feature image is of Alton shark. shark jawbone found in the Mississippi River, fisherman caught a juvenile bull shark on the Missouri River, new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. It appeared in a magazine titled Killer Sharks: Jaws of Death. Could you investigate? They are incredibly fast and agile creatures. Even though he didnt use a hook and line, and the fish was too small, he was allowed to keep it. But when they navigate to shallower waters for spawning in the spring, if they are seen from above in a boat, they can look like a shark to the untrained eye. Normally, a freshwater dip would dilute the salt in a shark's body, causing its cells to rupture and kill it. But in the grand scheme of things, you dont need to worry about them. 2019 Copyright lakemichigansharkfree.com. Juvenile sharks are around 27 inches long at birth. creative tips and more. MU Podcasts. Found in lakes and rivers, this shark only returns to the sea to breed. Bull sharks can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures, from as low as 12C to as high as 30C, and survive in water with low oxygen levels. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. They are also aggressive, fast, and strong. Hence, these reports of a Bull Shark, may be instead people seeing a Lake Sturgeon who has a similar appearance to a shark. Or, this report near Chicago in 2014 of a possible shark fin sticking up out of the water. But We Are More Agile, 19 Types Of Rattlesnakes That Live In North America, 5 Types Of Foxes That Live In North America, What Baby Rattlesnakes Look Like. We hope you have found this article interesting and have a better understanding of what you may have been seeing in the Great Lakes. The fish was more than 3 feet long. These creatures do not attack humans, instead preferring to go after different fish. How to Choose the Right Boat Trailer: Dimensions, Types, and More, How should a boat sit on a Trailer? Rich Fasi of Traverse City says he found a dead 2-foot shark in the water while . Of the five, it is the third-largest, behind Lake Huron, and then the largest, Lake Superior. However, if their numbers continue to drop as a result of climate change and commercial fishing, that could change. Juvenile bull sharks are free-swimming when they are born and the parents dont do much to protect them. I think we got the story from some British magazine. The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. Though most sharks would not be able able to handle the absence of salt in water, causing their cells to rupture, a bull shark's kidneys are able to recycle salt and maintain proper salt levels while it is in a freshwater environment. Unconfirmed reports of Bull Sharks caught in Lake Michigan have been around since the 1950's. Bull Sharks are not limited to salt water - they can adapt fine to fresh. The bull shark belly is white and they have a dark grey body. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. Shark bites have been reported off the Pacific coast as well. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Can you tell me if this story is true? None of these muskie attacks occurred in Lake Michigan. For one thing, lock-and-dam systems on the Mississippi could stop sharks from swimming farther inland, Ryan Shell, a paleontologist for the U.S. Forest Service, told The Alton (Illinois) Telegraph. A bull shark? We put the magazine together in four days. The muskellunge, otherwise known as the muskie, is also a native to Lake Michigan. For perspective, the fastest human swimmers can reach speeds of around 5 or 6 MPH unassisted. Its a pretty varied diet, although bony fishes are the bull sharks primary source of food. 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. One of the most distinctive features is a triangle-shaped dorsal fin. Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. How about in Lake Michigan? What lakes in north Texas have alligators? Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. While no one can say with absolute certainty, but it is a really good bet that Lake Michigan truly is shark free. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! These swarms have not been described as very dangerous, as piranhas do not usually attack humans as represented in the media. Though the largest wave to be recently recorded was 23 ft (7.1 m), which occurred in September 2011, the largest wave ever from Lake Michigan to actually strike the coast of Michigan was around 10 ft (3 m). What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? Bull sharks are classed as Vulnerable, which means they are threatened but there is no immediate cause for concern.