Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. That means the bull shark would have to. The Sea Lamprey must be the scariest-looking of all the dangerous creatures in Lake Michigan. A: Youre correct in recalling that a shark was found, but you must have dreamed the attack. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. 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. This then causes cells in the animal's body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. It is highly unlikely that bull sharks live in Lake Michigan. A bull shark would absolutely have the food sources available to become a resident here. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. Lake of the Ozarks is located in South-central Missouri, U.S., and spans an area of 84.37 mi. They are apex predators that don't mature. Coming in at #3 on our most dangerous & aggressive sharks list, the bull shark is a force to be reckoned with. Some article headlines sensationalize creatures such as pirhanna showing up in Lake Michigan only to quietly state at the end that they havent actually been found there. Thus, they may end up in the lakes during the end of summer because the water is slightly warmer. He had caught the shark in Florida a couple of years before and kept it in his freezer, he said. They have been found in rivers all over the world. Can you tell me if this story is true? Still, the likelihood of a shark encounter in freshwater is low, experts said. They may also attack if they are provoked. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. While eels have the ability to shut down their bodies and essentially go dormant in cold waters, its believed that bull sharks dont have the same skill. Do They Attack Humans? If you liked reading are there sharks in Lake Michigan? They are incredibly fast and agile creatures. This is an invasive species, which has a dorsal fin and tail like a shark. Try to pet one, and you may lose a few fingers. There havent been any reports of any sharks in Lake Michigan. Well, the answer might surprise you! What Are The Differences Between Shark And Dolphin Fins? After that, theyll migrate back to the ocean to complete their life cycle. The lake is known for its beautiful scenery, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and clear blue waters. Lake Michigan is known to have trout, salmon, and bass, making it perfect for fishing trips. Bull sharks have only ever been documented to be as far north as Massachusetts. Florida led all states in each of those years. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 2. Nevertheless, a bull shark can live for a time in freshwater before ultimately perishing if it does not return to saltwater. 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, it is important to note that encounters with dangerous animals in Lake Michigan are relatively rare. If youve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. Similarly, the Midwest has the water systems and food sources to support a bull shark, but it simply isnt warm enough. 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. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. There are more than 500 species of shark that currently live on earth and they can be found in every ocean. 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. Considered a place of great beauty and very popular with tourists, this water body has a dark side as well. Adult bull sharks are around 8 feet in length and can weigh approximately 300 pounds on average, with female sharks being larger and heavier than males. These swarms have not been described as very dangerous, as piranhas do not usually attack humans as represented in the media. Could you help me out or did I dream this? 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. Lake Michigan & Mississippi River (https://youtu.be/FxQBHvpZUw8). Theyll then head up freshwater streams such as the Mississippi and Hudson rivers where theyll spend 10 to 25 years maturing. How to Choose the Right Boat Trailer: Dimensions, Types, and More, How should a boat sit on a Trailer? These stocky beasts are agile hunters and they are incredibly adaptable, thriving in rivers as well as the ocean. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Sign up to receive the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter at chicagotribune.com/newsletters for more photos and stories from the Tribunes archives. Lake Michigan Bull Shark. . However, Lake Michigan is a large freshwater lake located in the northern United States, far from the typical habitats of bull sharks. creative tips and more. Snapping turtles, true to their name, can snap your fingers off if you get too close! Unfortunately, these blooms can last from a few days to a few weeks. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 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. Interestingly, Kenora is home to a 36-foot tall roadside statue of a muskie leaping out of the water. 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. This creature is also very adaptable and can reproduce very quickly. Explore what's the truth! 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. 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. There are a couple of theories as to why the shark was found in Lake Michigan. These include being aware of any warnings or advisories related to harmful algal blooms, avoiding underwater hazards, and practicing good water safety habits. Once again, Bull Sharks are the only species of shark that could withstand the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. Taking in enough contaminated water can damager your liver or kidneys. These sharks would also have to pass the infamous electric barrier constructed on the Illinois waterway, near Chicago, which keeps away invasive species from entering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Although they are far from the longest type of sharks, the width and stockiness of the bull shark is quite imposing. 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. Well, the answer might surprise you. 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. They all occurred in inland lakes in the Great Lakes region. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. 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 Illinois River has seen at least one documented case. 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. Swallowing large amounts of it can also adversely affect your kidneys or liver. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? 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. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. This was originally published in the Chicago Tribune on Oct. 2, 1978: Q: My son, like many other boys his age, is fascinated by sharks. This helps them maintain their salt levels which have a great effect on their lifespan. The beach was temporarily closed. One of the biggest shark-related sightings and conspiracy theories of Lake Michigan is the belief that bull sharks live in the Great Lake. There have been stories that Bull Sharks have attacked humans in the past, but humans arent these sharks preferred meal choice. So lets dive in! Take this example of an 11-year old girl in Minnesota. 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. 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. Color image is from April Fools joke in Montana. There are just under 500 species of shark in the world and only three of these are responsible for double-digit shark attacks. Hence, these reports of a Bull Shark, may be instead people seeing a Lake Sturgeon who has a similar appearance to a shark. The area had the brackish, shallow water that bull shark pups like, but water temps werent warm enough for bull sharks until only recently. Lake Michigan is filled with many dangerous animals, however it is quite unlikely that sharks are one of them. Should you be concerned about swimming or boating there? You will not find paid product promotions or sponsored content on this site. Most of these sightings do turn out to be a hoax, but that doesnt stop new sightings from pouring in every year. Bull sharks prefer water warmer than seventy degrees fahrenheit, and Lake Michigan's water is only that warm during a few weeks each year. By attacking various fish species in the lake, it can cause a major decrease in local populations. Some are true, and some are not. Found in lakes and rivers, this shark only returns to the sea to breed. But there are things boaters. For the majority of sharks, they need saltwater in order to survive. People do not read safety procedures beforehand, which makes them panic if they are caught in these waves and decreases their chance to survive the riptide. They are also aggressive, fast, and strong. Nautical Milestone for the Duluth Autonomous Navy . Two Coho fishermen pulled a 29-inch shark from Lake Michigan about two miles off the Milwaukee shore on April 25, 1969. Pacu, on the other hand, have been seen in southeastern Michigan. Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. 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. MU Plus+ Podcasts. The species of shark in question is the Bull Shark. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Its a pretty varied diet, although bony fishes are the bull sharks primary source of food. Steer clear of them, and youll be fine. They could be hoaxes due to these reasons. 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. If youre swimming next to a bull shark and provoking it, theyre incredibly dangerous. One of Lake Michigans most potentially dangerous animals is the sea lamprey. None of these muskie attacks occurred in Lake Michigan. 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. a lot of fish in Lake Michigan. Exclusive shows & extensions. 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 Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. Even the photographer said it could have been a piece of driftwood. He was able to walk out of the water on his own and had minor injuries. 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. 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. 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. ring-billed gulls and terns. Bull sharks have been found in mouths to rivers, such as the Mississippi river, that empty into the ocean, and even many miles upstream. However, the lamprey are difficult to eradicate because the larval forms dig into the sediment and can live there for up to ten years. If you are planning a visit to Lake Michigan, piranhas should not be a concern for you. The boy's name is Trent and he is the first recorded case of a bull shark attack at this specific location. 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. 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. It is the largest Lake in Central America and the 19th Largest Lake in the world, with a size of 3,191 square miles. It can live in both saltwater and freshwater and is found all over the world. When it comes to Bull Sharks, it is known that they hunt for quite large prey. The varied names stem from the many habitats in which the bull shark resides. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. While the short answer is no, its not as cut and dry as that. A scientific journal published just a few months ago revealed a new bull shark nursery near North Carolina. 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. 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. Do Bright Colors Attract Sharks? 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. The shark was dead, but for several days fishermen in the area were uneasy. 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. At their biggest, bull sharks can stretch to around 13 feet, although its rare for them to grow this big. Although, there have been reports of dead sharks being washed up onto the beaches of Lake Erie and Huron in Ontario.
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