However, this is a really rare exception. You could also run into a rattlesnake, black bear, or rarely, a gray wolf. These parasitic fish are native to the Atlantic Ocean and were accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. 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. At least two sharks have been sighted in the Mississippi River over the past century, Feldheim told AccuWeather national weather reporter Emmy Victor. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Juvenile bull sharks are free-swimming when they are born and the parents dont do much to protect them. The reality is that the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior and Michigan) are extremely deep lakes that are too cold for sharks. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. For another, there aren't as many bull sharks as there once were to make the swim up the Mississippi. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. 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. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. 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. Well, the answer might surprise you! Should you be concerned about swimming or boating there? MU Plus+ Podcasts. Most of these sightings do turn out to be a hoax, but that doesnt stop new sightings from pouring in every year. Another dangerous creature is the sea lamprey, a horrifying looking parasitic creature that uses its sharp teeth to clamp onto its prey, making holes in its body and then inserting its rough tongue to access its blood and other bodily fluids. 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. However, these creatures are quite dangerous to the environment because they are an invasive species. And I know what you're thinking.how could a Bull Shark survive outside of fresh water? Your email address will not be published. Explore the latest news & podcasts. General Mills Recalls Gold Medal Flour Due To Salmonella Risk, 3 Soldiers Killed After 2 U.S. Army Helicopters Crash In Alaska, Democrat Ben Cardin Won't Seek Re-Election To Senate In 2024, IL Dust Storm: 6 Dead, 30+ Taken To Hospital After Multiple Crashes, NYC Chess Master Accuses Success Academy Of Racism In $64M Lawsuit, What To Do When Neighbor Dogs Jump On You, Poop Wherever [Block Talk], Bugs, Insects, Spiders Spring To Life; Let Some Bee, Squish Others, Allergy, Hay Fever Sufferers See An Early Start To Pollen Season, Morel Mushrooms Popping Up In Woods Across America: Where To Find Them, The Great American Solar Eclipse Of 2024 May, Ahem, Eclipse 2017. They can grow up to 33 inches long and have sharp teeth that can and do pierce human skin. But, many people that are from outside the Great Lakes region are interested to know if there are sharks in Lake Michigan. However, sharks cant make their way to the actual Lake from the ocean because of dams that stop the contact between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Which is to keep invasive species out. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. You've only seen one page. Ensuing publicity regarding the prospect of sharks in the lake brought forth a confession from a tavern owner, who said two of his customers planted the fish in the lake for him as a joke. Is it real? Lake Michigan characteristics Though the answer to this question may not be exactly what you thought it would be, it is still an exciting answer that deserves to be explored. It is a large freshwater fish, which is very new to the Great Lakes. Of the five, it is the third-largest, behind Lake Huron, and then the largest, Lake Superior. Pro Tip: Dont let the creatures of Lake Michigan stop you from some amazing campgrounds. 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! There have only been reports of small populations in the extreme corners of the lake and not full-fledged infestations. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. 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. The fact that they stick to rivers and shallow coastal waters means they regularly come into contact with humans. These waves average at around 20-22 ft (6.1-6.7 m), which is around the height of 3-4 average humans! The record for a muskie in Michigan is around 4.5 feet long and weighing approximately 50 lbs. The bull shark belly is white and they have a dark grey body. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. Can you tell me if this story is true? Bull sharks are commonly found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, and in coastal areas such as bays and lagoons. 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. The Lake Michigan Bull Shark. Lake Michigan has unique characteristics that make it different from other bodies of water, including its low salinity and well-mixed water column. Even the photographer said it could have been a piece of driftwood. Mainly due to the eclectic barrier found by Chicago. 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. Even though you may see sharks swimming up and down the connecting rivers to Lake Michigan and the ocean, it is very unlikely that you will actually find any bull sharks there. 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. Another theory is that someone was keeping it as a pet and it died, so they dumped the body in the lake. Bull sharks can be very aggressive, even more so than other dangerous shark species. [confirmed!] Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? Shark bites have been reported off the Pacific coast as well. Bull sharks are known to be adaptable and can tolerate freshwater environments for short periods of time, but they typically prefer saltwater habitats. The bull shark is one of the few sharks that have the ability to adapt to freshwater conditions. 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. They will also eat sea turtles and dolphins. https://www.wglt.org/post/getting-bottom-lake-michigans-legendary-shark-attack#stream/0, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_sturgeon. In other words, if there is a bull shark heading straight for you, trying to swim away probably wont help you. Unlike most other species of shark, the bull sharks kidney cells can recycle salt. Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. However, if their numbers continue to drop as a result of climate change and commercial fishing, that could change. . Coming in at #3 on our most dangerous & aggressive sharks list, the bull shark is a force to be reckoned with. American eels are born far offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and immediately migrate towards North America. Theyll then head up freshwater streams such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers where theyll spend 10 to 25 years maturing. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. 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. They only attack on occasion. It is the largest Lake in Central America and the 19th Largest Lake in the world, with a size of 3,191 square miles. 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. Lets look at the different reports. Bull sharks are a species of shark found in warm, shallow waters around the world. The Lake Michigan swimmer and water sports enthusiast has nothing to fear from these sleepy giants. Bull sharks have only ever been documented to be as far north as Massachusetts. 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. Today, were investigating the most dangerous creatures in Lake Michigan. Bull sharks have been discovered in the Mississippi River, which flows into Lake Michigan. For the majority of sharks, they need saltwater in order to survive. However, most people do not take beach safety for lakes as seriously as they do for beaches. 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. 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. Most of these deaths happen because of drowning thanks to the massive waves and strong currents. This was originally published in the Chicago Tribune on Oct. 13, 1975: Q: After assuring my children they would not be attacked by sharks if they swam in Lake Michigan, I found an account of a shark killing a Chicago boy by the name of George Lawson in the lake. A scientific journal published just a few months ago revealed a new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. Your email address will not be published. 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. These fish have been known to attack humans in rare situations. When it comes to freshwater, there arent many positives for sharks.
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