Are Sharks Found in Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America and the third biggest freshwater lake in the world. It’s mysterious depths have captivated people for centuries and countless vessels were lost to its vast expanse. When one thinks about what kind of creatures lie in its depths, one might not think of sharks. This begs the question: are sharks found in Lake Superior?
First, it’s important to understand the environment of Lake Superior. The lake is cold, attaining temperatures of up to 6-7°C in the warmest months of summer. The lake also has salinity levels of 0.2-0.3%, as compared to the ocean’s 3.5%. These facts pose some obvious difficulties for marine species which would have to survive in the lake. Taking into consideration the characteristics of the lake, one may conclude that it is highly improbable for any species of shark to inhabit the lake.
That being said, the range of marine species in Lake Superior is by no means insignificant. Salmon, whitefish, lake trout, walleye, sturgeon and many more can be found in its depths. This may provide a source of food for a possible shark population, but with such cold temperatures and freshwater salinity, the odds are slim.
Historically, over 200 species of fish have been documented in Lake Superior. It is unknown if sharks have ever been documented in the lake’s history. It is likely however, that if there was a small population of sharks, ocean-dwelling varieties, the cold temperatures, the lack of salt and food availability would eventually eliminate the population.
To this day, rumors persist of shark species being found in the lake. Lake Superior even claims the title of being home to the mythical ‘Shuka Shark’. While there have been reports of shark sightings and a mysterious ‘white shark’ seen by some, by and large these reports have not been confirmed. To further this point, it has been proven that some of these sightings were actually sturgeon or large catfish.
Shark Sightings in Lake Superior
Shark sightings in Lake Superior are rare but not non-existent. In 1965, a scuba diver reported seeing a large white shark in Lake Superior, though none have been seen since. The fact that no shark expert was responding to reports of sightings of the mythical ‘Shuka Shark’ led many to question the legitimacy of the sighting. However, there have also been rumors of non-whale shark species in Lake Superior for centuries, including the likes of hammerhead and bull sharks.
The truth, however, is that no legitimate sightings of any shark species other than the white shark have been confirmed. Though in recent years, sightings of shark species that could survive in the cold cold water, such as the Spiny Dogfish, have been reported. Also, some argue that healthy populations of basking sharks, especially in the northern parts of Lake Superior, could survive.
The Possibility of sharks Living in Lake Superior
The possibility of any large marine creature living in Lake Superior is slim, but the idea of a shark species living in the lake’s depths is virtually impossible. As previously mentioned, the environment of Lake Superior supports a great variety of fish species, which sharks could not compete with. Secondly, the cold temperature and low salinity of the lake present an inhospitable environment for sharks, which further reduces the possibility of them surviving in the lake.
It is possible, however, that a few specimens of shark species could exist in the lake. For example, sea lampreys, a species of shark related species, have adapted to the cold temperatures, low salinity and lack of food. This has led some experts to suggest that certain species of sharks may be able to survive in the lake, though no genuine evidence of any existing species of shark in the lake has been found.
White Sharks in Lake Superior
The most compelling argument in favor of sharks surviving in Lake Superior comes from the 1965 sighting of a large white shark. The whale shark is known to venture far into oceans and seas, so the fact that one was sighted in the lake is not particularly surprising. However, what makes this sighting even more intriguing is the fact that no other sightings of a white shark have been reported since then, nor has anyone seen any evidence of white sharks living in the lake.
Still, it remains a tantalizing mystery in Lake Superior: Have white sharks been present in the lake at one point, and if so, what happened to them? Unfortunately, the answer is likely to remain a mystery.
The Impact of Sharks on Lake Superior Extinction
It is interesting to consider the possible impact of sharks on other species in Lake Superior. Sharks are apex predators and the introduction of a large population of them to any lake could have catastrophic consequences for other species. From the speculation that certain species of sharks could survive in the lake, one can conclude that the presence of sharks in the lake would pose a serious threat to the other species in it.
Furthermore, sharks are migratory animals and because of their constant roaming, an introduction of a shark into the lake could lead to its eventual global migration. This could lead to an increase in the number of sharks worldwide, putting other species at risk in other bodies of water.
The Effect of Human Activity on Sharks in Lake Superior
The impact of humans on sharks in Lake Superior can be significant. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change can all harm the lake’s fragile ecosystem, leading to a decline in the health of the species in the lake, including potential shark species. The presence of humans also causes major disruption to the natural order of things. As previously mentioned, sharks are apex predators and when a disruption is caused by humans, this can lead to a decrease in their population.
Humans can also have a detrimental effect on the fish species which would be important to any potential shark population, leading to a possible shortage of food. Even fishing with hooks and lines, an activity which is common in most lakes and rivers, can cause a decrease in the number of fish species, making it impossible for sharks to survive in the lake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is safe to say that shark species do not currently inhabit Lake Superior. The cold temperatures and low salinity of the lake make it an unfavorable environment for any large marine creatures, let alone a species of shark. Furthermore, no concrete evidence of any shark species in the lake has been found, leading one to believe that sharks were never present in the lake at any point.
Though despite conclusions, the possibility still remains that certain species of sharks could survive in the lake. Further examination and research are needed in order to truly understand the implications of human activity and climate change on the lake and the species that inhabit it.
