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. 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. 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. 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. Well, the answer might surprise you. This helps them maintain their salt levels which have a great effect on their lifespan. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. But as with everything else, we are more of a threat to them than they are to us. This is highly unlikely because the water at the mouth of St. Lawrence is too cold. Lake Michigan is a popular place for anglers and there is plenty of fishing spots all over the lake. Bull sharks have been found in mouths to rivers, such as the Mississippi river, that empty into the ocean, and even many miles upstream. It is located in the northern part of the country and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. While no one can say with absolute certainty, but it is a really good bet that Lake Michigan truly is shark free. 2019 Copyright lakemichigansharkfree.com. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Pro Tip: Dont let the creatures of Lake Michigan stop you from some amazing campgrounds. They have a row of very sharp, large, needle-like teeth. Once dragged under, it is very difficult to escape, and many people do not survive, unaware of the proper procedures to follow when caught in such a scenario. Or possibly a prank on the fisherman that found it. 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. However, there have been some claims about the bull sharks presence in Lake Michigan, but that can be just some fish, as there is a lot of fish in Lake Michigan. The surfer took a punch at the shark, which circled back after the initial bite and came at the teen, Bellone said. 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 Lake Michigan swimmer and water sports enthusiast has nothing to fear from these sleepy giants. 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. They must swallow their food whole because they dont have any teeth. The muskellunge, otherwise known as the muskie, is also a native to Lake Michigan. What are the 5 Great Lakes? Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. Also, their other abilities are much stronger than other species of sharks as well. The adults are slow-moving. 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. Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. Despite some uncertainty, such as the discovery of a dead bull shark on the lake's shore, it is widely assumed that sharks live in the lake. There have been documentaries on the Discovery Channel that talks about sharks swimming in lakes and rivers. Bull sharks can be very aggressive, even more so than other dangerous shark species. Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? After that, theyll migrate back to the ocean to complete their life cycle. 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. 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. 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. Most importantly for this story, though, is that theres photographic evidence of the men in town with their catch. Although, the temperature drops almost to freezing during the winter months, which is too cold for Bull Sharks. : A, Are There Sharks in Americas Great Lakes? Lets take a look at some of these. Yet there is no way to know whether the sharks made their own way there. But have you ever wondered if there are any sharks in the Great Lakes of America? 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 Grom Life is an independent publisher. It isnt impossible, but it is a rare thing to happen. The animals surrounding Lake Michigan may be more dangerous than anything in the water, except the cyanobacteria. It is very probable that the Rock Sturgeon, also known as the Lake Sturgeon is mistaken for a shark. Do They Attack Humans? In the summer of 2012, a man from Kenora, Ontario, Canada was fishing when he dipped his toes in the water. Once again, Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that could withstand the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes. It is usually caused when pollutants like the contents of septic tanks, manure, and other organic waste are deposited into the lakes. 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. However, as with any area youre visiting, know what dangerous animals are around and how to avoid a confrontation if you come across one. What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in Lake Michigan 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. Shark attacks are rare and fatal attacks are even less common in the United States but the rapid succession of bites off Long Island are an indication that what we are looking at is something of a new normal as sharks swim closer to shore, Bellone said. In order to understand the presence or absence of a particular species in an environment, it is essential to rely on scientific studies and verified sources. They may also attack if they are provoked. The truth disclosed! With the abundance of carp, catfish and panfish found in nearly every Midwestern stream, a bull would stay fat and happy. then why not take a look at What cheese does Chipotle use? 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. The boy's name is Trent and he is the first recorded case of a bull shark attack at this specific location. We can look to the American eel for an example of a saltwater fish caught far from home. Since I lived in Chicago at that time, and then, as I do now, had some interest in sharks. Read. They will also eat sea turtles and dolphins. Tanyas write-ups reflect her love for traveling, learning about new cultures, and experiencing local traditions. Bull sharks are apex predators, putting them at the top of the food chain. We have lots more on the site to show you. But, many people that are from outside the Great Lakes region are interested to know if there are sharks in Lake Michigan. In other words, if there is a bull shark heading straight for you, trying to swim away probably wont help you. The presence of dangerous insects along the shores in summer, such as mosquitoes and venomous spiders, should also be looked out for. Its a parasite that clamps onto its prey with those teeth, then uses its rough tongue to create a hole in the skin to get at the blood and other fluids. Is It Possible For A Shark To Swim Backwards? Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. Many are harmless, but some of the species can create toxins that make people and animals sick. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the sharks body to dilute. You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. Much more likely, alleged shark sightings and potential shark attacks reported in Lake Michigan, if true at all, are really case of mistaken identity. 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%. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Take this example of an 11-year old girl in Minnesota. 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. There is a lot more to it than that. Often sharks will try to avoid any large changes in the waters temperature. Or were they planted there. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. Considered a place of great beauty and very popular with tourists, this water body has a dark side as well. Well, the answer might surprise you! What lakes in north Texas have alligators? In a book I was reading recently there is an account of an attack on a swimmer, George Lawson, in Lake Michigan. 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. 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. This is an invasive species, which has a dorsal fin and tail like a shark. If you liked reading are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Yet the Bull Shark has the special ability to recycle salt in its kidneys, thus making it able to survive in freshwater conditions and environments. What Other Wildlife Is There In Lake Michigan? Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). This species isn't as well known as the famous great white in Jaws, but it has a unique trickits kidneys can recycle salt vital to the animal's cells. However, Lake Michigan is a large freshwater lake located in the northern United States, far from the typical habitats of bull sharks. AP: Lake Superior Bull Shark Eradicated by Duluth Autonomous Navy 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. Lake Michigan is quite notorious for its large, crashing waves that move across the surface of the lake. Are There Any Other Fish In Lake Michigan? Should you be concerned about swimming or boating there? The higher levels of nutrients usually come from water pollutants such as fertilizers, manure, and malfunctioning septic tanks. 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. Bull sharks have been found in some strange places, including Lake Pontchartrain following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina. They are also opportunistic predators and will seek to eat quickly. American eels are born far offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and immediately migrate towards North America. It is also known as a Ganges River shark. This kind of prey is very scarce and rare in freshwater areas. Getting to the Bottom of Lake Michigan's Legendary 'Shark Attack' Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. The species of shark in question is the Bull Shark. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. It has an eel-like body, and its mouth is large and round with numerous rows of sharp teeth. 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. From what we have discussed, the chances of a shark being in the Great Lakes is very low. What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? The most likely explanation is that it was a pet that got too big and that was dumped into the lake, where it subsequently died. Nevertheless, a bull shark can live for a time in freshwater before ultimately perishing if it does not return to saltwater. Bull Sharks will rarely swim beyond the Mississippi basin. If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. creative tips and more. Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! The tiger shark, for instance, can grow up to 18 feet. 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 . (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! [confirmed!] Lake These large freshwater turtles have very flexible necks, which they can extend and retract at lightning speed. Subscriptions. Lake of the Ozarks is located in South-central Missouri, U.S., and spans an area of 84.37 mi. A bull shark attacked a 7-year-old boy swimming in Lake Pontchartrain in 2014. The beach was temporarily closed. Because bull sharks can survive in freshwater, there are lots of theories and conspiracies than there are bull sharks wandering around in Lake Michigan. 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. 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. 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. 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.. So, are there any sharks in Lake Michigan? The area had the brackish, shallow water that bull shark pups like, but water temps werent warm enough for bull sharks until only recently. While these turtles are not aggressive, they have a powerful bite and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Their real danger is that they destroy native species and, therefore ecosystems. Thus people may have seen this creature instead of a Bull Shark, as it does swim close to the surface. So, are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Known as Huskie the Muskie, it is the citys unofficial mascot. Found in lakes and rivers, this shark only returns to the sea to breed. 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. MU Podcasts. Explore the latest news & podcasts. Home; Listen. During her school life, she was a prominent member of the editorial team at the school newspaper. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River Intrigue Journal 2.17K subscribers Subscribe 3.8K 326K views 2 years ago Killer sharks in the. So lets dive in! While there have been occasional reports of bull sharks being found in freshwater environments such as rivers, it is highly unlikely that they would be able to establish a breeding population in a freshwater lake such as Lake Michigan. When it comes to Bull Sharks, it is known that they hunt for quite large prey. 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. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Its not uncommon for freshwater eel to show up in places like South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. 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. MU Plus+ Podcasts. There are also rumors of bull sharks and other deadly creatures lurking in the lake. So, there is no species of shark that is native to Lake Michigan. If you enjoyed this article, you can also check out our pages on thresher shark facts and are there penguins in the North Pole? 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. Required fields are marked *. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. However, the problem lies with the water temperatures. In many parts of Africa, the bull shark is known as a Zambezi shark while in parts of South and Central America it's the Lake Nicaragua shark. However, this is a really rare exception. 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.

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