Is it possible for sharks to get into the Great Lakes?


Is it possible for sharks to get into the Great Lakes? While there have been past “sightings,” most have turned out to be pranks or misidentifications. The reality is that the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior and Michigan) are extremely deep lakes that are too cold for sharks.


Why are there no bull sharks in the Great Lakes?

But Heithaus said it would not be possible for a bull shark to reach the Great Lakes on their own because most don't travel very far upstream. If one did reach the lakes, it would not be able to survive due to the cold water temperature.


Do whales go to the Great Lakes?

The health of the waters of the Great Lakes can be measured in many ways, but one of the most unusual is by observing the health of the small population of beluga whales that live in the estuary of the St. Lawrence River.


Are there bull sharks in the Chicago river?

There are no sharks in Lake Michigan. Most sharks require salt water and most freshwater sharks don't live anywhere near the Great Lakes. Periodically there are rumors of Bull sharks swimming up the Mississippi River and into the Illinois River to get to Lake Michigan, but this would be an unlikely journey.


Has a bull shark ever been found in a lake?

The bull shark is commonly found worldwide in coastal areas of warm oceans, in rivers and lakes, and occasionally salt and freshwater streams if they are deep enough.


What is the only lake with sharks?

Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake containing oceanic animal life, including sharks, swordfish, and tarpon. More than 40 rivers drain into the lake, the largest being the Tipitapa River.


What predators live in the Great Lakes?

The most dangerous predator in the Great Lakes is the sea lamprey, which was actually introduced as an invasive species. Primarily, it goes after a sports fish called the lake trout, often wounding them as they kill them off. It is also attracted to the blood and bodily fluids of any creature.