At least two sharks have been sighted in the Mississippi River over the past century, Feldheim told AccuWeather national weather reporter Emmy Victor. Hence, these reports of a Bull Shark, may be instead people seeing a Lake Sturgeon who has a similar appearance to a shark. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers regularly dip below 35 degrees for months at a time, but a bull shark prefers tropical waters that stay above 69 degrees. 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. 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. However, as with any area youre visiting, know what dangerous animals are around and how to avoid a confrontation if you come across one. Lake Michigan is filled with many dangerous animals, however it is quite unlikely that sharks are one of them. Well, the answer might surprise you! The muskellunge, otherwise known as the muskie, is also a native to Lake Michigan. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Of the five, it is the third-largest, behind Lake Huron, and then the largest, Lake Superior. The record for a muskie in Michigan is around 4.5 feet long and weighing approximately 50 lbs. We Took A Closer Look, 3 White Shark Cage Diving Tours In California, Are Tiger Sharks Aggressive? This anecdotal story is of a Wisconsin man who was dipping his foot over the side of his canoe. They Dont Have A Rattle, 10 Of The Most Dangerous Types Of Spiders In North America. 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. How big are young bull sharks, how aggressive are adult bull sharks, and do they attack humans? They are apex predators that don't mature. Bull sharks are classed as Vulnerable, which means they are threatened but there is no immediate cause for concern. Without it, most would probably write off the story as another example of fishermen stretching the truth. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River Intrigue Journal 2.17K subscribers Subscribe 3.8K 326K views 2 years ago Killer sharks in the. Subscriptions. This aggressive species of shark can reach speeds of up to 25 MPH or around 40 KPH. 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. Most of these deaths happen because of drowning thanks to the massive waves and strong currents. Bull sharks have been found in mouths to rivers, such as the Mississippi river, that empty into the ocean, and even many miles upstream. 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. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Shark bites this month have been reported much farther north. Explore what's the truth! Lake Michigan is known to have trout, salmon, and bass, making it perfect for fishing trips. So, there is no species of shark that is native to Lake Michigan. But there are a lot of suspect reportsthat could have easily been hoaxed or have an alternative explanation. It appeared in a magazine titled Killer Sharks: Jaws of Death. Could you investigate? ring-billed gulls and terns. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. Swimmers should not take swimming in Lake Michigan lightly. 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. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. These fish have been known to attack humans in rare situations. There are numerous cities and towns located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? We have lots more on the site to show you. 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 Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. 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. The boy's name is Trent and he is the first recorded case of a bull shark attack at this specific location. Taking in enough contaminated water can damager your liver or kidneys. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 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! Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Or, this report near Chicago in 2014 of a possible shark fin sticking up out of the water. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. Unlike most other species of shark, the bull sharks kidney cells can recycle salt. However, Lake Michigan is a large freshwater lake located in the northern United States, far from the typical habitats of bull sharks. Lets look at the different reports. Lake Michigan has unique characteristics that make it different from other bodies of water, including its low salinity and well-mixed water column. 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. Once again, Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that could withstand the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes. The animals surrounding Lake Michigan may be more dangerous than anything in the water, except the cyanobacteria. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. 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. However, pirhanna havent been seen in any Michigan areas. Though scientists dont quite have an answer as to why they can do this, they are searching for a way to understand it. For perspective, the fastest human swimmers can reach speeds of around 5 or 6 MPH unassisted. 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. Bull sharks are commonly found in estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, and in coastal areas such as bays and lagoons. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. They are apex predators that dont mature until theyre around 15 or 20 years old. They will eat almost anything and they have a particular fondness for fish. Yet there is no way to know whether the sharks made their own way there. Lake Michigan characteristics Most importantly for this story, though, is that theres photographic evidence of the men in town with their catch. These large waves are usually caused by changes in the air pressure and winds moving across the surface of the lake. These barriers would also prevent bull sharks from reaching Lake Michigan from this route. This then causes cells in the animal's body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. The odds of a shark attack are practically zero, despite the recent spate of shark bites on both coasts. In southwestern Nicaragua, Lake Nicaragua is the only Lake inhabited by sharks, sawfish, and tarpon despite being a freshwater lake. So, are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Thus, they may end up in the lakes during the end of summer because the water is slightly warmer. 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. 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. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. 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. 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. Compared to other requiem sharks, bull sharks are usually stockier and heavier, but there are larger sharks in this species. If the Bull Shark could deal with the temperatures of the lakes in winter, and the lack of good. This helps them maintain their salt levels which have a great effect on their lifespan. But their tail may resemble some species of shark. Some of the most popular and well-known fish you can find in the Great Lake include Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bowfin, Largemouth Bass, and many more. At their biggest, bull sharks can stretch to around 13 feet, although its rare for them to grow this big. Then on top of that, they would have to deal with the issues and stresses of being in freshwater and the lack of salt. Coming in at #3 on our most dangerous & aggressive sharks list, the bull shark is a force to be reckoned with. 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. This wave left eight people dead and left a trail of destruction in its wake. They have powerful jaws, sharp reactions, and even sharper teeth. 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. Although conceivable, bull shark claims that far north are probably justanother April Fools joke. BULL SHARK. These creatures do not attack humans, instead preferring to go after different fish. The salt concentration is lower than that of the ocean, but higher than freshwater. Bull sharks have been seen in Lake. In other words, if there is a bull shark heading straight for you, trying to swim away probably wont help you. Their kidneys function a bit differently and they have special glands in their tails that allow them to keep salt in their bodies even when they are in freshwater. However, these claims have been dismissed as rumors, as sharks are saltwater creatures and would not thrive easily in freshwater lakes, not even great white sharks. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, It has an eel-like body, and its mouth is large and round with numerous rows of sharp teeth. That compares to 47 shark attack bites in 2021, 36 shark attack bites in 2020 and 50 shark attack bites in 2019. Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Can you tell me if this story is true? 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. 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. 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. Bull sharks are the most common freshwater shark and can survive in freshwater environments. A: The story is pure myth. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Like most animals, they will bite if they feel the need to defend themselves. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. The Bull Shark is the only species of shark that could potentially live in the Great Lakes waters. Yet these shows and stories spark peoples imaginations that they think that a shark could be in the Great Lakes. 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. No shark reports have been scientifically documented in the lake. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in the United States of America. 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. Also, there was once a dead bull shark found on the shore of Lake Michigan, but no one knows how it got there. 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 . Yes, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods of time. Bull sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks in the world. However, the lamprey are difficult to eradicate because the larval forms dig into the sediment and can live there for up to ten years. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. 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. Even the photographer said it could have been a piece of driftwood. Often sharks will try to avoid any large changes in the waters temperature. It is important to note that there are no confirmed sightings of bull sharks in Lake Michigan. From what we have discussed, the chances of a shark being in the Great Lakes is very low. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Today, were investigating the most dangerous creatures in Lake Michigan. 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. However, they can also be prey for other, larger sharks. Should you be concerned about swimming or boating there? 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. Also, their other abilities are much stronger than other species of sharks as well. Another animal that can be dangerous to humans is the common snapping turtle. 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. 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. What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? You could also run into a rattlesnake, black bear, or rarely, a gray wolf. That means the bull shark would have to. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? Its a pretty varied diet, although bony fishes are the bull sharks primary source of food. Interestingly, Kenora is home to a 36-foot tall roadside statue of a muskie leaping out of the water. Such as smaller shakers or large bony fish. Color image is from April Fools joke in Montana. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Cyanobacteria is certainly the most insidious of all the Lake Michigan dangers. 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. We put the magazine together in four days. Speargun traps are being installed in the Soo Locks to keep sharks out of the lake from now on. Definitely big enough to be mistaken for a small shark. They are bottom feeders, feeding on soft live food, such as worms, leeches, and insect larvae. She wrote various blogs, articles, and essays that garnered appreciation from readers. At that moment, fortunately, a wave carried the surfer and the paddle board back to shore, he said. The algal organisms bloom rapidly reproduce when the water contains a large amount of their favorite nutrients, the temperature becomes warm, and the water has low movement. With the abundance of carp, catfish and panfish found in nearly every Midwestern stream, a bull would stay fat and happy. Other bull shark sightings in unlikely areas lack the same kind of proof. It is very probable that the Rock Sturgeon, also known as the Lake Sturgeon is mistaken for a shark. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. There have been stories that Bull Sharks have attacked humans in the past, but humans arent these sharks preferred meal choice. That doesnt mean itll never happen, though. They will also eat sea turtles and dolphins. Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline plus 238 miles of island shore. Theyll then head up freshwater streams such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers where theyll spend 10 to 25 years maturing. 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.. These large waves are called 'seiches' and can reach several feet (meters) in height, similar to saltwater waves in the ocean. Though the algae itself is harmless, in large numbers it can release cyanotoxins. 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. (https://youtu.be/-ic8qv-zFus). We hope you have found this article interesting and have a better understanding of what you may have been seeing in the Great Lakes. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were. Although, its not a fish most would want to catch. Also known as blue-green algae, its common in many lakes and waterways around the world. This does not influence our choices. Lake Michigans immense size lends itself to stories of danger and mystery. 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. Another example is cataloged in the Global Shark Attack File, a listing to track shark attacks by the non-profit Shark Research Institute. Many shark sightings have been credited to being hallucinations or mirages caused by the sun, or misidentification of a lake sturgeon fish, a large fish that is shark-like in appearance. Explore the latest news & podcasts. This means if a bull shark did make the long migration north, it would have to head south again before winter. Tanya always had a knack for writing which encouraged her to be a part of several editorials and publications across print and digital media. The account to which you refer doesnt have much going for it. Brackish waters are waters that are a combination of freshwater and saltwater. 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. These stocky beasts are agile hunters and they are incredibly adaptable, thriving in rivers as well as the ocean. Known as Huskie the Muskie, it is the citys unofficial mascot. Under the right conditions, they more or less live there. This kind of prey is very scarce and rare in freshwater areas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. [confirmed!] They are incredibly fast and agile creatures. 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. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Lake Michigan is home to a wide variety of bird species that including herring. Great Lakes Waters Are Too Cold 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. Overall, the question of whether bull sharks live in Lake Michigan highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and the need for reliable sources of information. Things To Keep In Mind When. Like all predatory animals, muskies are largely opportunists, and so might try to eat anything if they are hungry enough. How Deep is Lake Superior? Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! Similarly, the Midwest has the water systems and food sources to support a bull shark, but it simply isnt warm enough. This creature is also very adaptable and can reproduce very quickly. 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 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. They could be hoaxes due to these reasons. Well, the answer might surprise you. Id always explain that sharks have never been documented this far north, but that usually didnt quell their fears. 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. However, most people do not take beach safety for lakes as seriously as they do for beaches. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Global Shark Attack file: George Lawson case >>>, Dansby Swanson, bloodied by his own helmet, helps the Chicago Cubs shake off a weekend sweep with a 5-1 win, Discovery channeled. 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. Films like Jaws have conditioned us to see sharks as the ultimate ocean predatorsman-eaters with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. But, many people that are from outside the Great Lakes region are interested to know if there are sharks in Lake Michigan. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. Because bull sharks can survive in freshwater, there are lots of theories and conspiracies than there are bull sharks wandering around in Lake Michigan. While these turtles are not aggressive, they have a powerful bite and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Lake Michigan, with a surface area of 22,405 square miles, is the second largest volume of the Great Lakes after Lake Ontario. 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. Although, there have been reports of dead sharks being washed up onto the beaches of Lake Erie and Huron in Ontario. What are the 5 Great Lakes? 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). Hence, the Great Lakes arent a great place for a lot of species of sharks. However, these creatures are quite dangerous to the environment because they are an invasive species. After that, theyll migrate back to the ocean to complete their life cycle. 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. 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. 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. Lake Michigan is home to various aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and waterfowl. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. 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. The truth disclosed! Lake Michigan is quite notorious for its large, crashing waves that move across the surface of the lake. Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. Since I lived in Chicago at that time, and then, as I do now, had some interest in sharks. Could you help me out or did I dream this? 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. 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%. As with any outdoor activity, it is important to exercise caution and respect the natural environment when enjoying the lake and its surroundings.
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