Does the Great Lakes have sharks?

Great Lakes fishes come in many shapes and sizes, from the finger-length mottled sculpin to the almost majestic lake sturgeon, with its sleek gray torso and angular fins. But don't confuse this primitive-looking, cartilaginous fish with another group of fishes that have a bit more bite. That is, sharks. read more

Though bull sharks have been known to ascend the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico as far as St. Louis, Willink says the number of locks and dams as well as the electric barrier on the Illinois River would make it next to impossible for even a bull shark to enter the Great Lakes. read more

It could have made it up the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the Great Lakes system. How it made it through the locks and dams on the St. Lawrence is a very good question. Further, bull sharks have been found only as far north as Massachusetts. None have been reported in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where they could enter the river and seaway. read more

If you know any shark scientists, a fun way to kill some time is to mention “Shark Week” to them. There will be arm waving, spittle, and ranting. Discovery Channel and Animal Planet are “the rotting carcass of science television. read more