Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group for more from Chicagos past. In 2020, 53 people drowned in Lake Michigan, setting a record for yearly drowning deaths. 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. Thus people may have seen this creature instead of a Bull Shark, as it does swim close to the surface. But in the grand scheme of things, you dont need to worry about them. Lake Michigans immense size lends itself to stories of danger and mystery. What is Lake Michigans most dangerous animal? 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. Pacu, on the other hand, have been seen in southeastern Michigan. We put the magazine together in four days. 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. And I know what you're thinking.how could a Bull Shark survive outside of fresh water? 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. These large freshwater turtles have very flexible necks, which they can extend and retract at lightning speed. Known as Huskie the Muskie, it is the citys unofficial mascot. The animals surrounding Lake Michigan may be more dangerous than anything in the water, except the cyanobacteria. 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. No shark reports have been scientifically documented in the lake. Subscriptions. It was there that two commercial fishermen in 1937 noticed that their mesh traps were consistently getting raided by a large predator. 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. 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. One man named Rich Fasi from Traverse City found a dead 2-foot shark on the shores of the Great Lake. It could happen more with climate change. But as with everything else, we are more of a threat to them than they are to us. Lets look at the different reports. Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. One of Lake Michigans most potentially dangerous animals is the sea lamprey. 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. There have been multiple reports of bull shark sightings in Lake Michigan for years and years. My name is Mikayla Adams and I have swum with sharks six times so far. 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. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. While there are no known dangerous animals that pose a significant threat to humans in Lake Michigan, there are a few species that should be approached with caution. Bull sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks in the world. 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. The Great Lakes have inland beaches, similar to saltwater beaches, which are very popular with holiday goers. Bull sharks have been found in some strange places, including Lake Pontchartrain following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina. There have only been reports of small populations in the extreme corners of the lake and not full-fledged infestations. However, they are born in safe areas, ensuring they remain safe as they mature. It is relatively shallow compared to other great lakes, with an average depth of around 85 meters, and is connected to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac. 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. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. At that moment, fortunately, a wave carried the surfer and the paddle board back to shore, he said. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. Of the five, it is the third-largest, behind Lake Huron, and then the largest, Lake Superior. He had caught the shark in Florida a couple of years before and kept it in his freezer, he said. Bull Sharks In Lake Superior or Michigan? They all occurred in inland lakes in the Great Lakes region. Home; Listen. 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. 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. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! The tiger shark, for instance, can grow up to 18 feet.
What lake has sharks? - Lake Access What are the 5 Great Lakes? Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. There are a couple of theories as to why the shark was found in Lake Michigan. The species of shark in question is the Bull Shark. Instead what they got was a 5-foot bull shark that weighed over 80 pounds. The Northern Snakehead Fish is probably the creepiest of all because it can wiggle-walk its way across the land to a new lake when it runs out of food in one. This kind of prey is very scarce and rare in freshwater areas. 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. Aug. 30, 2008, 9:30 PM PDT / Source: The Associated Press. 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. Via the Mississippi river. A bull shark attacked a 7-year-old boy swimming in Lake Pontchartrain in 2014. Found in lakes and rivers, this shark only returns to the sea to breed. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. Your privacy is important to us. This does not influence our choices. With the abundance of carp, catfish and panfish found in nearly every Midwestern stream, a bull would stay fat and happy. There are more than 500 species of shark that currently live on earth and they can be found in every ocean. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Once theyve found a home, theyre difficult to remove. 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. This is because the Bull Shark is one of very few species that has physiologically changing abilities. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC?
Great whites in the Great Lakes? Bull shark! Similarly, the Midwest has the water systems and food sources to support a bull shark, but it simply isnt warm enough.
The 5 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. 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 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. While studying economics at Fergusson College, Pune, India, she got more opportunities to learn details of content creation. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. A: The story is pure myth. If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. There is a documented case where a bull shark was found as far north as Alton, Illinois. Required fields are marked *. Sharks have prowled our planet's oceans since before we were even a twinkle in the eye of the grand scheme of things. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. However, the odds of being attacked by one of these creatures is very low. Pirhanna and Pacu are also fish with sharp teeth that have been known to bite people. The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. 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. Another point against bull sharks making it to Lake Michigan is the extreme difficulty.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. The surfer took a punch at the shark, which circled back after the initial bite and came at the teen, Bellone said. So, if we compare bull sharks to other species of sharks, they are dangerous. 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. Then on top of that, they would have to deal with the issues and stresses of being in freshwater and the lack of salt. This algae reproduces quickly in warmer environments when the movement of the water is slow and can survive in nutrient-rich waters. However, they can also be prey for other, larger sharks. Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. 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. Theyve been overfished, like other plummeting shark populations worldwide, but their biggest threat is accidental capture in fisheries targeting other species, according to Oceana. 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. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. 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. Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? This helps them maintain their salt levels which have a great effect on their lifespan. Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. Have you seen any dangerous creatures in or around Lake Michigan? 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 possibility of these sharks making their way into Lake Michigan . This creature is also very adaptable and can reproduce very quickly. Dams now keep any wandering sharks from entering the river. They are incredibly fast and agile creatures. Juvenile sharks are around 27 inches long at birth. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. Especially, as the shark would have to swim past and through the lock system of the Niagara Fall.
Are There Sharks In Lake Michigan? The Truth Disclosed! As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. While it cant be proven, its up to you whether or not you believe these claims to be true. https://www.wglt.org/post/getting-bottom-lake-michigans-legendary-shark-attack#stream/0, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_sturgeon. It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. Pro Tip: Dont let the creatures of Lake Michigan stop you from some amazing campgrounds. The Lake Michigan swimmer and water sports enthusiast has nothing to fear from these sleepy giants. 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. 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. When full-grown, they can reach a length of 8 feet and weigh over 100 lbs. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Bull sharks have only ever been documented to be as far north as Massachusetts. 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. Whats more, is that one female can lay up to 150,000 eggs each year. Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. A few hours after the surfer was bitten, a 49-year-old Arizona man was standing in waist-high waters off a Long Island beach when a shark came from behind and bit him on the buttocks and wrist. Because of its size, Lake Michigan is located in a few states, which include Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and of course, its namesake, Michigan. It is important to note that there are no confirmed sightings of bull sharks in Lake Michigan. Definitely big enough to be mistaken for a small shark. Bull sharks are apex predators, putting them at the top of the food chain. 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. According to the author, Lawson lost his leg to the infamous Carcharhinus Springer. This attack supposedly occurred in the summer of 1955. But have you ever wondered if there are any sharks in the Great Lakes of America?
Sharks In Lake Michigan: True Story or Urban Myth? Bull sharks kidneys recycle salt water, so theyre able to swim through rivers and lakes, according to National Geographic. Also, their other abilities are much stronger than other species of sharks as well. More people are killed from vending machines than bull sharks. 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. Take this example of an 11-year old girl in Minnesota. 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. However, most people do not take beach safety for lakes as seriously as they do for beaches. Personally, I dont believe it.. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. Some of the largest and most well-known cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Grand Rapids. It has a maximum length of 100 Miles and a maximum width of 44.1 miles. Yes, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. Other bull shark sightings in unlikely areas lack the same kind of proof. Pro Tip: After searching for creepy creatures in Lake Michigan, explore these 7 Amazing Waterfalls in Michigan. The salt concentration is lower than that of the ocean, but higher than freshwater. 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. 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. Sharks are native to saltwater habitats and Lake Michigan is a 100% freshwater lake. 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. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. Its not uncommon for freshwater eel to show up in places like South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There have been sharks up to 4 feet long caught by anglers at the lake and there are reports of sharks up to 6 feet long in the water. Nevertheless, a bull shark can live for a time in freshwater before ultimately perishing if it does not return to saltwater. Lake Michigan has unique characteristics that set it apart from other bodies of water. They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. 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. 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. 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. They are apex predators that don't mature. 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. By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. For. But We Are More Agile, 19 Types Of Rattlesnakes That Live In North America, 5 Types Of Foxes That Live In North America, What Baby Rattlesnakes Look Like. But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. 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. So, there is no species of shark that is native to Lake Michigan. 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. 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. What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? 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. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in the United States of America. How about in Lake Michigan? However, there have been some claims about the bull sharks presence in Lake Michigan, but that can be just some fish. 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! Lake of the Ozarks is located in South-central Missouri, U.S., and spans an area of 84.37 mi. It is quite rare for a shark to get so close to the Atlantic coast or near the St Lawrence River. Its highly unlikely that you will find bull sharks in Lake Michigan. Steer clear of them, and youll be fine. It isnt impossible, but it is a rare thing to happen. They could be hoaxes due to these reasons. 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! 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. Sharks need several things to be able to survive, and they are all lacking in the Great Lakes. 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. But they arent aggressive toward people without provocation. Most importantly for this story, though, is that theres photographic evidence of the men in town with their catch. 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. 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. Another theory is that someone was keeping it as a pet and it died, so they dumped the body in the lake. 2. Sharks can be found all over the world. Like all predatory animals, muskies are largely opportunists, and so might try to eat anything if they are hungry enough.
3 Creepy Creatures That Could Be Lurking in Lake Michigan - 103.3 WKFR Also known as blue-green algae, its common in many lakes and waterways around the world. We can look to the American eel for an example of a saltwater fish caught far from home. Taking in enough contaminated water can damager your liver or kidneys. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. It was photographed, but the picture to me looks very similar to the famous photo of Nessie in Loch Ness, which was later proven to be faked. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. One of the most distinctive features is a triangle-shaped dorsal fin. 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. For any other species of shark, the lack of salt will cause the salt in the shark's body to dilute. Although, the temperature drops almost to freezing during the winter months, which is too cold for Bull Sharks. 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.
Bull shark in Lake Michigan caught on camera? - YouTube Bull sharks have the reputation of being among the top three shark species responsible for attacks on humans, the other two being great whites and tiger sharks. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. These large waves are called 'seiches' and can reach several feet (meters) in height, similar to saltwater waves in the ocean. Bull Sharks can and do survive in freshwater for quite a while, and reports have shown them to be several miles upriver from their normal habitat. 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. Though bull sharks would not be able to access Lake Michigan easily due to the presence of the Chicago electric barrier at the south and Niagara Falls, miles away to the northeast. It is important to know how to respond to strong currents so you do not drown in the cold waters. They will also eat sea turtles and dolphins.
Nearly 6-foot-long shark caught on Lake Pontchartrain in New - WGNO The truth disclosed! The bull shark is one of the few sharks that have the ability to adapt to freshwater conditions. Though the algae itself is harmless, in large numbers it can release cyanotoxins. 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. BULL SHARK. Under the right conditions, they more or less live there. She wrote various blogs, articles, and essays that garnered appreciation from readers. Such as smaller shakers or large bony fish. Some are true, and some are not. ring-billed gulls and terns. It has a listing for a shark attack in Lake Michigan in 1955. They are also opportunistic predators and will seek to eat quickly. Bull sharks are commonly found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, and in coastal areas such as bays and lagoons. 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. 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. With this being said, due to the distribution of Asian Carp through the Midwest and Mississippi waters, this could offer the Bull Sharks a reliable food source. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. then why not take a look at What cheese does Chipotle use? Just like the Loch Ness monster in Scotland, there are now rumors circulating that these creatures have been living around the towns of the Great Lakes for hundreds of years. 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. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. During her school life, she was a prominent member of the editorial team at the school newspaper. 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. These barriers would also prevent bull sharks from reaching Lake Michigan from this route. 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. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. It appeared in a magazine titled Killer Sharks: Jaws of Death. Could you investigate? Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Mosquitos and black-legged ticks carry diseases that can leave you battling illness for the rest of your life. In a book I was reading recently there is an account of an attack on a swimmer, George Lawson, in Lake Michigan. They are known to be aggressive predators and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and even other sharks. Hence, these reports of a Bull Shark, may be instead people seeing a Lake Sturgeon who has a similar appearance to a shark. The Bull Shark is the only species of shark that could potentially live in the Great Lakes waters. Although, there have been reports of dead sharks being washed up onto the beaches of Lake Erie and Huron in Ontario. 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. It is located in the northern part of the country and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? Although conceivable, bull shark claims that far north are probably justanother April Fools joke. From what we have discussed, the chances of a shark being in the Great Lakes is very low.