When full-grown, they can reach a length of 8 feet and weigh over 100 lbs. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline plus 238 miles of island shore. But their tail may resemble some species of shark. There was a sighting of a bull shark in Deep Creek Lake in Maryland in 1983, though similar incidents have not been reported since then. 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. The fact that they stick to rivers and shallow coastal waters means they regularly come into contact with humans. When large storms move quickly across a large lake like Lake Michigan, it causes friction between the strong winds and the surface of the water, resulting in the formation of large waves. The Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. Bull sharks are classed as Vulnerable, which means they are threatened but there is no immediate cause for concern. The area had the brackish, shallow water that bull shark pups like, but water temps werent warm enough for bull sharks until only recently. It was there that two commercial fishermen in 1937 noticed that their mesh traps were consistently getting raided by a large predator. Your privacy is important to us. From what we have discussed, the chances of a shark being in the Great Lakes is very low. 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. Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. Lake Michigan has unique characteristics that make it different from other bodies of water, including its low salinity and well-mixed water column. Typically, you will find a Bull Shark in freshwater all over the world. 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. 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. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. They are not true freshwater sharks. The temperature of the Great Lakes, as well as the weather surrounding them, is actually quite low with water temperatures ranging from between 41-48 F (5-9 C). I grew up swimming on the white sand beaches of Lake Michigan, and it seems like Ive known the answer to this question since I was in the womb. In early July, a lifeguard was bitten by a shark on his chest and hand in what Steve Bellone, the top executive in Suffolk County, New York, called an unprecedented event. 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. Thousands and thousands of people swim on Lake Michigan beaches every year, and the worst thing they have to fear are riptides and sunburn. These stocky beasts are agile hunters and they are incredibly adaptable, thriving in rivers as well as the ocean. These large freshwater turtles have very flexible necks, which they can extend and retract at lightning speed. This means if a bull shark did make the long migration north, it would have to head south again before winter. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. A spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers confirmed, "Sharks are a Lake Michigan problem, not a Lake Superior problem." Related: Sharkgate: the Lake Superior Bull Shark Conspiracy. 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. The main disadvantage being the lack of food that a shark would typically find in their natural habitat. There have been stories that Bull Sharks have attacked humans in the past, but humans arent these sharks preferred meal choice. Shark bites this month have been reported much farther north. Sharks typically dont like to live in areas that have cold waters. These parasitic fish are native to the Atlantic Ocean and were accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. ring-billed gulls and terns. Stories like those give pause to landlocked Midwesterners. It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. This blooming is when the toxins are produced. Another animal that can be dangerous to humans is the common snapping turtle. My name is Mikayla Adams and I have swum with sharks six times so far. Yet these shows and stories spark peoples imaginations that they think that a shark could be in the Great Lakes. If youre curious to learn more about RIP currents and how they are formed, check out the other blog I wrote primarily to address this phenomenon. The reality is that the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior and Michigan) are extremely deep lakes that are too cold for sharks. Sharks are native to saltwater habitats and Lake Michigan is a 100% freshwater lake. Are There Any Other Fish In Lake Michigan? These barriers would also prevent bull sharks from reaching Lake Michigan from this route. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. If you are planning a visit to Lake Michigan, piranhas should not be a concern for you. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. Lake Michigan is filled with many dangerous animals, however it is quite unlikely that sharks are one of them. A story of a boy being attacked in Lake Michigan from a 1975 man-eating sharks book proved to be false after the author admitted he just wanted to capitalize on the Jaws craze. Its not the biggest shark species in the sea, but its one of the most ferocious. Bull Sharks In The Great Lakes - Myth Or Fact? The story has never been proven either way, and become somewhat of an urban legend in Chicago. We called the publishers of the magazine in Montreal and were told by staff member Jack Dean: Oh that. 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. creative tips and more. One of the biggest shark-related sightings and conspiracy theories of Lake Michigan is the belief that bull sharks live in the Great Lake. So, the river systems allow for bull sharks to get here, but would they stay? But experts note that the species's preference for coastal waters less than a hundred feet (30 meters) deep makes bulls potentially the most dangerous . The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. This was originally published in the Chicago Tribune on Oct. 2, 1978: Q: My son, like many other boys his age, is fascinated by sharks. The furthest inland a bull shark has ever been seen in North America is Alton, Ill. Alton sits along the Mississippi River about 15 miles north of St. Louis, and 1750 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Well, the answer might surprise you. The Illinois River has seen at least one documented case. Hence, the Great Lakes arent a great place for a lot of species of sharks. A: In our business, its easier to prove something did happen rather than that it didnt and somebody made it up. 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. shark jawbone found in the Mississippi River, fisherman caught a juvenile bull shark on the Missouri River, new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. He was able to walk out of the water on his own and had minor injuries. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. In this article, we will be discovering whether seeing a Bull Shark or any shark in the Great Lakes is a fact or just a myth. Dams now keep any wandering sharks from entering the river. Please note that Kidadl is a participant 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. 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. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. 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. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Rich Fasi of Traverse City says he found a dead 2-foot shark in the water while . Bull sharks kidneys recycle salt water, so theyre able to swim through rivers and lakes, according to National Geographic. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. So, there is no species of shark that is native to Lake Michigan. So we decided to create a place where we could gather all our concerns, and who knows, maybe we could also help someone else in our situation. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Then it is possible that Bull Shark could live in the Great Lakes for a while if it came in from the ocean. But have you ever wondered if there are any sharks in the Great Lakes of America? What follows are a sampling of the answers provided by Tribune reporters. The muskellunge, otherwise known as the muskie, is also a native to Lake Michigan. Florida led all states in each of those years. However, as with any area youre visiting, know what dangerous animals are around and how to avoid a confrontation if you come across one. This creature is also very adaptable and can reproduce very quickly. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. It is important to note that there are no confirmed sightings of bull sharks in Lake Michigan. Safety First: Sharks In Lake Michigan. Just like with whales, there have been many shark sightings over the years and humans have started to create interesting stories alongside these sightings. Sharks In Lake Michigan: True Story or Urban Myth? They Dont Have A Rattle, 10 Of The Most Dangerous Types Of Spiders In North America. How Aggressive Are Bull Sharks? Though most sharks are saltwater species, the bull shark is a shark species that lives in freshwater environments. There are also plenty of ports all along the shores of Lake Michigan, including Green Bay and Milwaukee in Wisconsin, Muskegon in Michigan, and Chicago in Illinois. 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. Bull sharks are normally found in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers in these warmer regions. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. American eels are born far offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and immediately migrate towards North America. In the United States they are found off the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. Bull Sharks In Lake Superior or Michigan? While bull sharks have been reportedly found up to 1,000 miles deep into the Mississippi, the waters are much warmer than the Great Lakes. We Took A Closer Look, Are There Any Sharks In Myrtle Beach: 9 Common Sharks, Is It Safe To Swim And Dive In The Maldives? By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. However, the problem lies with the water temperatures. There is believed to be one species of the shark that is able to survive in the Great Lakes. These swarms have not been described as very dangerous, as piranhas do not usually attack humans as represented in the media. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. There are also lots of ducks that can be found in the Great Lake area, such as the scaup and the old-squaw duck. If you liked reading are there sharks in Lake Michigan? But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. The biggest concern for people planning to swim in this lake is not a bull shark attack, but how to deal with the dangerous riptides! It is also known as a Ganges River shark. Bull sharks are a species of shark found in warm, shallow waters around the world. 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. We hope you have found this article interesting and have a better understanding of what you may have been seeing in the Great Lakes. A lot of people have wondered whether Bull Sharks can live in the Great Lakes. Also known as blue-green algae, its common in many lakes and waterways around the world. 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. Though there have been similar reports of dead sharks washing up on the shores of Lakes Huron, Erie, and Superior, these claims do not have any scientifically documented evidence to back them up either. They have specialized kidneys that can recycle salt trapped within the kidneys. Interestingly, Kenora is home to a 36-foot tall roadside statue of a muskie leaping out of the water. Nautical Milestone for the Duluth Autonomous Navy . These can cause rashes and blisters on the bodies of swimmers, or cause health issues like breathing difficulties, intestinal problems, vomiting, or dizziness if ingested. Exclusive shows & extensions. 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. This then causes cells in the animals body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. What are the 5 Great Lakes? The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. 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. There is a very slim chance a bull shark, in particular, could make it to the shores of Lake Michigan, its extremely unlikely and they wouldnt last very long there! The bull shark is one of those three, with the tiger shark and the great white shark being the other two. While bull sharks are known to be adaptable and can tolerate freshwater environments, there is no concrete evidence to support their presence in the lake. I had a hard time believing that such a rare event would have been widely published by the Chicago media. In 2020, 53 people drowned in Lake Michigan, setting a record for yearly drowning deaths. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. [confirmed!] But, many people that are from outside the Great Lakes region are interested to know if there are sharks in Lake Michigan. A better imposter for a shark attack in Lake Michigan is the Muskellunge. 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. One of the unique things about this shark species is that they can also be found in rivers and lakes, including the Amazon, Brisbane River, and the Ohio River. Bull sharks have not been found in the Great Lakes, despite reports Uncovering The Mystery Of The Great White Shark In Lake Michigan If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. The surfer took a punch at the shark, which circled back after the initial bite and came at the teen, Bellone said. 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. Especially, as the shark would have to swim past and through the lock system of the Niagara Fall. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Pacu, on the other hand, have been seen in southeastern Michigan. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy). 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? 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. Are There Sharks In Lake Michigan? That compares to 47 shark attack bites in 2021, 36 shark attack bites in 2020 and 50 shark attack bites in 2019. 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. Lake Michigan characteristics Bull shark in Lake Michigan caught on camera? - YouTube The odds of a shark attack are practically zero, despite the recent spate of shark bites on both coasts. Others among the hundreds of shark species scientists have identified can live only for a while in the brackish, somewhat salty water in estuaries the area where freshwater rivers and streams meet the ocean, also called a bay, lagoon, sound or slough. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. Bull sharks have been found in some strange places, including Lake Pontchartrain following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina. A bull shark is a species of shark that is able to alter its physiology to live in brackish waters. They have a short and rounded snout and very small eyes. 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. MU Podcasts. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the sharks body to dilute. 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. That means the bull shark would have to. Most deaths that occur in the vicinity of Lake Michigan occur due to drowning, and not due to bull shark attacks or because of any other natural threats. Discover our four plan options. The tiger shark, for instance, can grow up to 18 feet. The Ultimate Guide To Shark Cage Diving In Florida, Everything You Need To Know About Tiny Sharks And Why Theyre Nothing To Be Afraid Of. 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. Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. It wasnt a bull shark but a blacktip shark instead, but it was a shark non the less. [Global Shark Attack file: George Lawson case >>>]. But in the grand scheme of things, you dont need to worry about them. The lake has a surface area of over 58,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Cyanobacteria is certainly the most insidious of all the Lake Michigan dangers. Other bull shark sightings in unlikely areas lack the same kind of proof. Lake Michigans immense size lends itself to stories of danger and mystery. This algae reproduces quickly in warmer environments when the movement of the water is slow and can survive in nutrient-rich waters. then why not take a look at What cheese does Chipotle use? Bull sharks are some of the only cartilaginous fish found in freshwater and they are able to survive a variety of salinities.

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