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Do Sharks Live in the Great Lakes? - AZ Animals Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Though the concept of sharks in Lake Michigan is still a bit up in the air, the Great Lake is home to make different types of other fish. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? Though they do not attack humans, they may use their powerful bite if provoked or startled. 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. You've only seen one page. 2. The reality is that the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior and Michigan) are extremely deep lakes that are too cold for sharks. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. A better imposter for a shark attack in Lake Michigan is the Muskellunge. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. Though disasters like tsunamis and high tides do not occur in inland lakes, there are still very dangerous water currents and riptides that can drown people easily. Sharks In Lake Michigan: True Story or Urban Myth? Sign up to receive the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter at chicagotribune.com/newsletters for more photos and stories from the Tribunes archives. We Took A Closer Look, 3 White Shark Cage Diving Tours In California, Are Tiger Sharks Aggressive? The water itself isnt the problem, but the temperature is. Should you be concerned about swimming or boating there? How about in Lake Michigan? It is usually caused when pollutants like the contents of septic tanks, manure, and other organic waste are deposited into the lakes. Definitely big enough to be mistaken for a small shark. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 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. Some article headlines sensationalize creatures such as pirhanna showing up in Lake Michigan only to quietly state at the end that they havent actually been found there. They are also opportunistic predators and will seek to eat quickly. If this animal tried to enter from the other side, the bull shark would somehow have to cross Niagara Falls, which borders the Canadian state of Ontario and cross Lake Huron to enter Lake Michigan. From what we have discussed, the chances of a shark being in the Great Lakes is very low. Could A Shark Survive In The Great Lakes? Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! While these turtles are not aggressive, they have a powerful bite and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. 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. 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. The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 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. Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. A surfer in Pacific Grove, California, was hospitalized in June with severe stomach and leg injuries after a possible shark attack. Could you help me out or did I dream this? Another example is cataloged in the Global Shark Attack File, a listing to track shark attacks by the non-profit Shark Research Institute. 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. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. 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. When planning to swim in any of the Great Lakes, it is advised to always study what to do if caught in a current beforehand, wear a lifejacket, and have backup as well as a lifeboat stationed nearby. 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. Though the algae itself is harmless, in large numbers it can release cyanotoxins. 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. It is also a well-mixed lake, meaning that water from the surface mixes with water from the bottom, resulting in relatively consistent water temperatures throughout the lake. This was originally published in the Chicago Tribune on Aug. 12, 1975: Q: My children and the girls at work dont believe me, but with all this Jawsmania going around I do believe a young lady was killed and no one could figure out how this shark got into the lake. The salt concentration is lower than that of the ocean, but higher than freshwater. He was able to walk out of the water on his own and had minor injuries. If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River (https://youtu.be/FxQBHvpZUw8). 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. Following the release of the movie Jaws in the summer of 1975, Tribune readers had questions about a reported shark attack in Lake Michigan from years earlier and submitted them to the papers Action line, which at the time answers questions, solves problems and cuts red tape.. Sharks typically dont like to live in areas that have cold waters. 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. . When it comes to freshwater, there arent many positives for sharks. It is a large freshwater fish, which is very new to the Great Lakes. Exclusive shows & extensions. Any reports of bull shark sightings in Lake Michigan should be treated with skepticism, as there are many look-alike species of sharks that can be mistaken for bull sharks. They are a threatened species, but theres still enough of them not to cause concern and these creatures will be around for some time to come! Great Lakes Waters Are Too Cold It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. Shell told AccuWeather that while it may be easy to dismiss the two confirmed reports of bull sharks in the Mississippi River as one-off events, that ignores the interesting questions of how these animals evaded detection and got so far upstream in the first place.. This is highly unlikely because the water at the mouth of St. Lawrence is too cold. 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. 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. But there are things boaters. The only shark able to survive in freshwater environments is the bull shark that can recycle salt levels in its kidneys, keeping its cells from rupturing. 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. Is It Possible For A Shark To Swim Backwards? Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? Compared to other requiem sharks, bull sharks are usually stockier and heavier, but there are larger sharks in this species. Lake Michigans immense size lends itself to stories of danger and mystery. At that moment, fortunately, a wave carried the surfer and the paddle board back to shore, he said. Rich Fasi of Traverse City says he found a dead 2-foot shark in the water while . The fish was more than 3 feet long. There are also lots of ducks that can be found in the Great Lake area, such as the scaup and the old-squaw duck. Instead what they got was a 5-foot bull shark that weighed over 80 pounds. She wrote various blogs, articles, and essays that garnered appreciation from readers. One man named Rich Fasi from Traverse City found a dead 2-foot shark on the shores of the Great Lake. Today, were investigating the most dangerous creatures in Lake Michigan. It has a maximum length of 100 Miles and a maximum width of 44.1 miles. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? 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 adults are slow-moving. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Are There Sharks In Lake Michigan? 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. MU Podcasts. Pro Tip: Dont let the creatures of Lake Michigan stop you from some amazing campgrounds. Is that a shark in Lake Michigan? | WGN-TV 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. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! Exploring The Possibility Of Nurse Sharks In Lake Michigan: Ecological They are apex predators that dont mature until theyre around 15 or 20 years old. The bull shark belly is white and they have a dark grey body. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. It could happen more with climate change. Usually, adults spend their time in deeper waters. The bull shark's range normally spans thousands of miles, from Massachusetts to Brazil, which falls in the southern part of North America, meaning it is closer to the equator and has warmer waters. 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 . Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. A: The story is pure myth. Bull sharks have not been found in the Great Lakes, despite reports Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! People do not read safety procedures beforehand, which makes them panic if they are caught in these waves and decreases their chance to survive the riptide. But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. 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. Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline plus 238 miles of island shore. Well, the answer might surprise you! 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. Even though he didnt use a hook and line, and the fish was too small, he was allowed to keep it. We put the magazine together in four days. Another theory is that someone was keeping it as a pet and it died, so they dumped the body in the lake. They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. There is believed to be one species of the shark that is able to survive in the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan is quite notorious for its large, crashing waves that move across the surface of the lake. As with any outdoor activity, it is important to exercise caution and respect the natural environment when enjoying the lake and its surroundings. That said, the Sea Lampreys only danger to people hanging out on or in Lake Michigan is that its invasive and is devastating the other fish. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. At their biggest, bull sharks can stretch to around 13 feet, although its rare for them to grow this big. So far this year, there have been 28 shark attack bites in U.S. coastal waters, none of them fatal, in Florida (16), New York (6), California (2) and South Carolina (2), according to a database on the Tracking Sharks website. It has a listing for a shark attack in Lake Michigan in 1955. 131 likes. If youre swimming next to a bull shark and provoking it, theyre incredibly dangerous. Similarly, the Midwest has the water systems and food sources to support a bull shark, but it simply isnt warm enough. Steer clear of them, and youll be fine. 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). 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. This aggressive species of shark can reach speeds of up to 25 MPH or around 40 KPH. So, are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. Stories like those give pause to landlocked Midwesterners. 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. Sharks need several things to be able to survive, and they are all lacking in the Great Lakes. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. It is located in the northern part of the country and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. It was there that two commercial fishermen in 1937 noticed that their mesh traps were consistently getting raided by a large predator. She was dangling her feet over her familys paddleboard when she was attacked by what she described as a big fish. MU Plus+ Podcasts. While eels have the ability to shut down their bodies and essentially go dormant in cold waters, its believed that bull sharks dont have the same skill. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River Intrigue Journal 2.17K subscribers Subscribe 3.8K 326K views 2 years ago Killer sharks in the. Sharks have been spotted in Lake Michigan for many years, and recent reports have gone viral. Continuing her passion for writing, she accepted the role of a content creator, where she wrote articles on an array of topics. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. The higher levels of nutrients usually come from water pollutants such as fertilizers, manure, and malfunctioning septic tanks. For the majority of sharks, they need saltwater in order to survive. Phil Willink, a previous Senior Research Scientist at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, says, [The bull shark] is able to control the salt and other compounds in its blood, to maintain a balance with the water thats around it, and is able to move back and forth between freshwater and saltwater. Lake Michigan is filled with many dangerous animals, however it is quite unlikely that sharks are one of them. 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.