Climate Change Drives Sharks To Warm Water
Rising temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico have not killed one native species or even weakened it. Bull sharks, usually in cold water, have taken to the warming Gulf.
According to Phys.org. “In late spring, estuaries along the U.S. Gulf Coast come alive with newborn fish and other sea life. While some species have struggled to adjust to the region’s rising water temperatures in recent years, one is thriving: juvenile bull sharks.” There was a five-fold increase in these between 2000 and 2018.
The report points out that rising water temperatures have threatened many species. It is not certain why bull sharks are an exception. However, according to the Journal Science, the exception is important. “Managing predator populations, such as sharks, is important because of the role they play in shaping ecosystem structure through top-down and knock-on effects17. Consequently, changes in the abundance, distribution, and/or behavior of sharks can alter ecological communities.”
Fresh And Salt Water
Bull sharks can live in both fresh and salt water. They have been found as far upstream in the Mississippi River as Illinois.
Bull sharks are about 8 feet long and weigh about 200 pounds.
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