This is the first time that we are aware of that we have had anyone bitten by a shark, he said at a news conference. The Mysterious Shark Attack in Lake Michigan These stocky beasts are agile hunters and they are incredibly adaptable, thriving in rivers as well as the ocean. There are two possible natural routes: Still, this doesnt prevent someone from transporting a bull shark via truck and dumping it in Lake Michigan. Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group for more from Chicagos past. When planning to swim in any of the Great Lakes, it is advised to always study what to do if caught in a current beforehand, wear a lifejacket, and have backup as well as a lifeboat stationed nearby. Swimmers should not take swimming in Lake Michigan lightly. 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. Exclusive shows & extensions. Bull sharks are connected to the Lake Michigan conspiracy because of their physiology. This does not influence our choices. Because of its size, Lake Michigan is located in a few states, which include Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and of course, its namesake, Michigan. That means the bull shark would have to. 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. 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. 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. A number of people have asked us about that. Or were they planted there. Considered a place of great beauty and very popular with tourists, this water body has a dark side as well. 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. Your email address will not be published. [confirmed!] 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. This then causes cells in the animal's body to burst, which then results in the shark dying. Despite the absence of sharks in this lake, there are still a number of dangerous animals to keep a lookout for. Hence, these reports of a Bull Shark, may be instead people seeing a Lake Sturgeon who has a similar appearance to a shark. He was able to walk out of the water on his own and had minor injuries. 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. However, as with any area youre visiting, know what dangerous animals are around and how to avoid a confrontation if you come across one. 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 main disadvantage being the lack of food that a shark would typically find in their natural habitat. Normally, freshwater causes a dilution of salt in the sharks body, altering the salt concentration, which ruptures cells and ultimately kills the animal. Are Bull Sharks Really In Lake Michigan Or The Ohio River? 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. So, are there sharks in Lake Michigan? Swimming in Lake Michigan can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as proper precautions are taken. Lake Michigan is over 2000 navigational miles from the bull sharks native habit. (2021) Bull Sharks DOCUMENTED in Great Lakes?! 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. Shark bites this month have been reported much farther north. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. 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. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Usually, adults spend their time in deeper waters.