thINK Journal #3: Bull Shark

For my third, shark-inspired journal entry, I give you the Bull Shark. The Bull shark is considered the third most dangerous shark, behind the Great White (first place), and the Tiger Shark (second place), for a number of reasons.

According to HowStuffWorks.com, Bull Sharks can adapt to fresh water and have even been known to swim up the Mississippi River. One was even reported as far up the Mississippi as Illinois. It has also been found 2,200 miles up the Amazon River. Bulls often found in lakes as well as rivers, so be careful where you swim. The Bull Shark is one of the two species of shark that can swim in the fresh water, the other being the River Shark.


According to the Florida Museum of Natural History: Ichthyology Department, Bull Sharks prefer to live in shallow, coastal waters. But they are found in warm waters all over the world. Although they are often found in fresh waters, it is very unlikely that their entire life cycle would take place in such an environment, although scientists believe Bull Sharks can breed in fresh water.


A Bull Shark primarily eats fish, and smaller sharks, and humans rarely enter their diet. Like the Hammerhead Shark, the Bull enjoys the occasional Sting Ray, and has also been known to eat young sharks of their own species. Oddly enough Bull Sharks also enjoy Sea Turtles, Sea Gulls, Dolphins, and Squid. The Bull Shark will appear slow, and rather clumsy, but appearances can be deceiving. When hunting the Bull Shark will turn quick and extremely agile.


The Bull Shark is similar to the Hammerhead in more ways then one. The Bull Shark also gives birth to live young, but doesn't have near as many pups as the Hammerhead. Bulls can give birth to about 13 pups, who stay with their mother for 10-11 months after they're born.

At birth the Bull Shark is little more then 2 feet long, but they soon grow, and can get up to 11 feet long, weighing 500 lbs.



Although the Bull Shark isn't as dangerous as the Great White, or Tiger Shark, it's important to watch out for them, even in local rivers. In order to avoid them try not to swim where rivers open up into gulfs or oceans, because they are very common there. Don't swim near schools of fish, because the attract larger predators. And obviously, don't try to be Steve Irwin.