Once again, Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that could withstand the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes. 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! Well, the answer might surprise you. Bull sharks are the least known of the three. Well, the answer might surprise you! 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). It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. In fact, there is a semi-permanent population in Lake Nicaragua that was thought until recently to be a separate species, Oceana said, noting bull sharks can give birth in freshwater., During these long periods inland, bull sharks come into close contact with people, and most of the incidents when they have bitten people have been in rivers rather than the ocean., shark attack bites in U.S. coastal waters, Shark Bites The Hand That Tried To Free It. The Bull Shark could probably be the only shark to live in the Great Lakes due to its ability to recycle salt through its kidneys and its ability to survive in freshwater environments, but the water temperature does not allow it so. This anecdotal story is of a Wisconsin man who was dipping his foot over the side of his canoe. 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. Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. There have been documentaries on the Discovery Channel that talks about sharks swimming in lakes and rivers. This site 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.com. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. A scientific journal published just a few months ago revealed a new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 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. Lake Michigan has unique characteristics that set it apart from other bodies of water. Bull sharks have only ever been documented to be as far north as Massachusetts. Access the list by submitting your email below: Home What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in Lake Michigan, Why We Bought a 40 Foot Alliance 5th Wheel RV, View the Drivin & Vibin Privacy Policy Here, What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in Lake Michigan. Bull sharks are known to be adaptable and can tolerate freshwater environments for short periods of time, but they typically prefer saltwater habitats. None of these muskie attacks occurred in Lake Michigan. Although conceivable, bull shark claims that far north are probably justanother April Fools joke. Most importantly for this story, though, is that theres photographic evidence of the men in town with their catch. 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. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Also, there was once a dead bull shark found on the shore of Lake Michigan, but no one knows how it got there. But, many people that are from outside the Great Lakes region are interested to know if there are sharks in Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, a high number of people drown at Lake Michigan every year because of the harsh water currents. These include being aware of any warnings or advisories related to harmful algal blooms, avoiding underwater hazards, and practicing good water safety habits. 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. The bull shark is one of those three, with the tiger shark and the great white shark being the other two. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. How Deep is Lake Superior? Especially, as the shark would have to swim past and through the lock system of the Niagara Fall. He had caught the shark in Florida a couple of years before and had kept it in his freezer, he said. Is it real? 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. They have been found in rivers all over the world. Lake Michigan is known to have trout, salmon, and bass, making it perfect for fishing trips. This does not influence our choices. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Lake Michigan is a freshwater lake, the 3rd largest Lake in North America, approximately 118 miles max-width (91 miles min-width) and 307 miles long. Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. Lake Michigan is a popular place for anglers and there is plenty of fishing spots all over the lake. Whats more, is that one female can lay up to 150,000 eggs each year. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. One of the biggest shark-related sightings and conspiracy theories of Lake Michigan is the belief that bull sharks live in the Great Lake. Once theyve found a home, theyre difficult to remove. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the sharks body to dilute. 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. It wasnt a bull shark but a blacktip shark instead, but it was a shark non the less. Sign up to receive the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter at chicagotribune.com/newsletters for more photos and stories from the Tribunes archives. Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline plus 238 miles of island shore. We hope you have found this article interesting and have a better understanding of what you may have been seeing in the Great Lakes. It is important to know how to respond to strong currents so you do not drown in the cold waters. Safety First: Sharks In Lake Michigan. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. Another point against bull sharks making it to Lake Michigan is the extreme difficulty. Thousands and thousands of people swim on Lake Michigan beaches every year, and the worst thing they have to fear are riptides and sunburn. Pacu, on the other hand, have been seen in southeastern Michigan. Bull sharks have a nasty reputation, deserved or not, in part because of their size, growing to about 11 feet long and weighing around 700 pounds. There have been lots of unofficial shark sightings that have been reported not just in Lake Michigan, but also across all of the other great lakes. BULL SHARK. Instead what they got was a 5-foot bull shark that weighed over 80 pounds. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River (https://youtu.be/FxQBHvpZUw8). Also, their other abilities are much stronger than other species of sharks as well. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. The first was in Alton, Illinois, in 1937, and the second was in Missouri in 1995. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Such as smaller shakers or large bony fish. In addition, the conditions in Lake Michigan are not ideal for bull sharks, as the lake is much colder and less salty than the ocean, which could make it difficult for them to survive. Often sharks will try to avoid any large changes in the waters temperature. Yet these shows and stories spark peoples imaginations that they think that a shark could be in the Great Lakes. There have been stories that Bull Sharks have attacked humans in the past, but humans arent these sharks preferred meal choice. These large waves are called 'seiches' and can reach several feet (meters) in height, similar to saltwater waves in the ocean. This wave left eight people dead and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Found in lakes and rivers, this shark only returns to the sea to breed. That means the bull shark would have to. Bull sharks have been found in some strange places, including Lake Pontchartrain following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina. Could A Shark Survive In The Great Lakes? However, the lamprey are difficult to eradicate because the larval forms dig into the sediment and can live there for up to ten years. In the future, as the earth heats up and the water temperature increases, that might change, but for now, you probably wont encounter these ferocious sharks in Lake Michigan. 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. 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! Via the St. Lawrence seaway, through the locks at Niagara Falls, and through three of the Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, and Huron) to make it to Lake Michigan. The story has never been proven either way, and become somewhat of an urban legend in Chicago. This kind of prey is very scarce and rare in freshwater areas. The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is a type of requiem shark, putting it in the same family as tiger sharks and spinner sharks. Whether or not a bull shark, or any shark for that matter, has made its way into Lake Michigan, for now, well just have to believe that it is a popular conspiracy theory or myth of the Great Lake. It is a large freshwater fish, which is very new to the Great Lakes. There are numerous cities and towns located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Even though he didnt use a hook and line, and the fish was too small, he was allowed to keep it. A bull shark attacked a 7-year-old boy swimming in Lake Pontchartrain in 2014. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. Could you help me out or did I dream this? Things To Keep In Mind When. Shark bites have been reported off the Pacific coast as well. Though they do not attack humans, they may use their powerful bite if provoked or startled. 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. Lake Michigan is quite notorious for its large, crashing waves that move across the surface of the lake. 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. In fact, just 80 incidents of shark attacks are recorded every single year, yet millions of sharks are killed as a result of shark fin fishing and the use of shark nets. Still, the likelihood of a shark encounter in freshwater is low, experts said. Bull sharks are classed as Vulnerable, which means they are threatened but there is no immediate cause for concern. By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. They are also aggressive, fast, and strong. How about in Lake Michigan? The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. [Global Shark Attack file: George Lawson case >>>]. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. They are incredibly fast and agile creatures. 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.. They have a short and rounded snout and very small eyes. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. 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. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. The surfer took a punch at the shark, which circled back after the initial bite and came at the teen, Bellone said. Similar to the bull shark, there have been sightings of piranhas in Lake Michigan. We can look to the American eel for an example of a saltwater fish caught far from home. Lake Pontchartrain is known for having sharks because they swim in from the Gulf of Mexico, but last night a fisherman caught a large bull shark and wants to bring awareness to the dangers that exi A surfer in Pacific Grove, California, was hospitalized in June with severe stomach and leg injuries after a possible shark attack. However, this is a really rare exception. Swimmers should not take swimming in Lake Michigan lightly. 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). Sharks are native to saltwater habitats and Lake Michigan is a 100% freshwater lake. This algae reproduces quickly in warmer environments when the movement of the water is slow and can survive in nutrient-rich waters. They will also eat sea turtles and dolphins. Florida led all states in each of those years. 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. But in the grand scheme of things, you dont need to worry about them. Bull sharks have a nasty reputation, deserved or not, in part because of their size, growing to about 11 feet long and weighing around 700 pounds. Bull sharks are the most common freshwater shark and can survive in freshwater environments. Although they are far from the longest type of sharks, the width and stockiness of the bull shark is quite imposing. Its not uncommon for freshwater eel to show up in places like South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. And while Shell, the forestry service paleontologist, and others say that while theres no need for panic, inland sharks could become more common. Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. Nevertheless, a bull shark can live for a time in freshwater before ultimately perishing if it does not return to saltwater. 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. The truth disclosed! 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. In response, the anglers built a strong wire trap and baited it with chicken guts to catch the musky they assumed was terrorizing their setups. It could happen more with climate change. 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. A: In our business, its easier to prove something did happen rather than that it didnt and somebody made it up. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Cyanobacteria is certainly the most insidious of all the Lake Michigan dangers. These barriers would also prevent bull sharks from reaching Lake Michigan from this route. Originally he believed the fin-like shape protruding from the water was just a piece of driftwood, but upon reexamination he thought it may be a shark. When it comes to freshwater, there arent many positives for sharks. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. 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. The man had to get 60 stitches. The main disadvantage being the lack of food that a shark would typically find in their natural habitat. They are known for their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater environments, making them one of the few shark species that can live in both marine and freshwater habitats. Bull sharks are commonly found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, and in coastal areas such as bays and lagoons. However, the odds of being attacked by one of these creatures is very low. The majority of the bull shark sighting in Lake Michigan have been proved to be hoaxes though and any that have not been confirmed as hoaxes have also not been proved to be scientifically possible. They may also attack if they are provoked. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in North America and is the largest freshwater lake entirely within the United States. Your privacy is important to us. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. Lets look at the different reports. There havent been any reports of any sharks in Lake Michigan. The Bull Shark is the only species of shark that could potentially live in the Great Lakes waters. 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. Stories like those give pause to landlocked Midwesterners. Great Lakes Waters Are Too Cold If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. Earlier this month, an angler fishing in the Florida Keys who was bitten by a 6-foot-long lemon shark as he tried to remove a hook from its mouth was airlifted to a Miami hospital. To escape predators, they will often regurgitate the food in their stomachs, thus distracting the predator and giving them some extra time to escape. 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. Much more likely, alleged shark sightings and potential shark attacks reported in Lake Michigan, if true at all, are really case of mistaken identity. It is the largest Lake in Central America and the 19th Largest Lake in the world, with a size of 3,191 square miles. Sharks have prowled our planet's oceans since before we were even a twinkle in the eye of the grand scheme of things. However, most people do not take beach safety for lakes as seriously as they do for beaches. I figured it out., Baseball, softball and girls soccer scores for Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. 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. Without it, most would probably write off the story as another example of fishermen stretching the truth. 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! Dams now keep any wandering sharks from entering the river. Sharks have been spotted in Lake Michigan for many years, and recent reports have gone viral. 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. However, they are born in safe areas, ensuring they remain safe as they mature. Though Lake Michigan is most known for its fish, there are a few other animal species that live around its waters. 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. Yes, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! I think we got the story from some British magazine. You can find bull sharks in coastal waters throughout the world, including the East Coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico. Films like Jaws have conditioned us to see sharks as the ultimate ocean predatorsman-eaters with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. Because of its size, Lake Michigan is located in a few states, which include Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and of course, its namesake, Michigan. However, the evidence that theyre in Lake Michigan is nonexistent or, in one case, questionable. Also, there was once a dead bull shark found on the shore of Lake Michigan, but no one knows how it got there. 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. Pro Tip: Dont let the creatures of Lake Michigan stop you from some amazing campgrounds. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. 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. It is usually caused when pollutants like the contents of septic tanks, manure, and other organic waste are deposited into the lakes. shark jawbone found in the Mississippi River, fisherman caught a juvenile bull shark on the Missouri River, new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. Do Bright Colors Attract Sharks? The main theory is someone caught the shark in the Atlantic Ocean, then kept it on ice and dumped it in Lake Michigan. These waves average at around 20-22 ft (6.1-6.7 m), which is around the height of 3-4 average humans! However, these creatures are quite dangerous to the environment because they are an invasive species. Your email address will not be published. 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. Lake Michigans immense size lends itself to stories of danger and mystery. Tanya always had a knack for writing which encouraged her to be a part of several editorials and publications across print and digital media. creative tips and more. The adults are slow-moving. In our lifetimes its unlikely a bull shark will ever make it deep into the Heartland, though there is new research that shows bull sharks expanding their territory thanks to climate change. A number of people have asked us about that. 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. Bull sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks in the world. Bull Sharks will rarely swim beyond the Mississippi basin. Thus, they may end up in the lakes during the end of summer because the water is slightly warmer. Aug. 30, 2008, 9:30 PM PDT / Source: The Associated Press. 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. They have a row of very sharp, large, needle-like teeth. So, believe what you feel is right! There are still a few questions to answer about this shark species, so lets take a look! You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. However, Lake Michigan is a large freshwater lake located in the northern United States, far from the typical habitats of bull sharks. They can grow up to 33 inches long and have sharp teeth that can and do pierce human skin. We put the magazine together in four days. You could also run into a rattlesnake, black bear, or rarely, a gray wolf. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. 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. Even though this shark can be found in freshwater habitats, it is believed that the Great Lakes are too cold for a bull shark to live comfortably, even during the summer. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. There have been multiple reports of bull shark sightings in Lake Michigan for years and years. So, if you see signs saying the beach and water are closed because of algal blooms, do yourself and your pets a favor and find something else to do. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This is an invasive species, which has a dorsal fin and tail like a shark. then why not take a look at What cheese does Chipotle use? Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. It has an eel-like body, and its mouth is large and round with numerous rows of sharp teeth. Almost all sharks need to keep salt in their bodies in order to survive, but the bull shark has developed a rather unique and special adaptation. 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. That compares to 47 shark attack bites in 2021, 36 shark attack bites in 2020 and 50 shark attack bites in 2019. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The water itself isnt the problem, but the temperature is. There are two possible natural routes: Via the St. Lawrence seaway, through the locks at Niagara Falls, and through three of the Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, and Huron) to make it to Lake Michigan. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. The likelihood of the shark being in the lake naturally is incredibly low. There are a couple of theories as to why the shark was found in Lake Michigan. 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. : Are There, 3 White Shark Cage Diving Tours In California, How Aggressive Are Bull Sharks? The reality is that the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior and Michigan) are extremely deep lakes that are too cold for sharks. Since I lived in Chicago at that time, and then, as I do now, had some interest in sharks. In conclusion, the question of whether bull sharks live in Lake Michigan remains unanswered. What follows are a sampling of the answers provided by Tribune reporters. Can you tell me if this story is true? In the summer of 2012, a man from Kenora, Ontario, Canada was fishing when he dipped his toes in the water. The lake is known for its beautiful scenery, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and clear blue waters. Although bull sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks in the world, they are also breathtaking creatures that are a sight to behold. 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. 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: The story is pure myth. Usually, adults spend their time in deeper waters. 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. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. There are also lots of ducks that can be found in the Great Lake area, such as the scaup and the old-squaw duck.
