What Is Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, it covers an area of 82,000 square kilometers and holds roughly 5,500 cubic kilometers of fresh water. It is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. With its clear and diverse waters, Lake Superior is a major tourist destination for people looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of outdoor activities.
Dangers Lurking In The Depths?
But as beautiful as it may seem, could there be any dangers lurking in its depths? Could there be anything unbeknownst to man lurking underneath the seemingly inviting surface? There is a persistent myth that Lake Superior is home to a few species of sharks. So, is there any truth behind this myth?
Though some people believe that sharks have existed in the lake since prehistoric times, many experts suggest that these rumors are baseless. According to research done by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory, it is very unlikely that there are any sharks in Lake Superior.
The extremely cold temperatures and lack of food sources make it virtually impossible for sharks to survive in the lake. Despite the fact that some shark-like species such as lake sturgeon and lake trout have adapted to the lake’s cold environment, they are not considered to be true sharks. In addition, large predators such as killer whales, which are capable of living in the lake’s depths, are also unlikely to be found in Lake Superior due to their limited diet.
Despite the research, rumors of shark sightings in the lake have persisted for a long time. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, tales of a large, shark-like creature in the lake have been circulating since the early 1800’s. While it is unlikely that these reports are true, it is possible that larger animals such as sturgeon or other large fish may have been mistaken for sharks by some people.
Theories Surrounding Lake Superior Sharks
Though there is no scientific evidence to suggest that sharks exist in Lake Superior, this myth has become popular amongst the locals in the past few decades. Local anglers and fishers have come up with a few theories about the existence of these creatures in the depths of the lake. Some believe that the sharks were introduced in the lake by tourists or fishermen in an attempt to increase the fish population. Others believe that they were once present in the lake and have since migrated to other parts of the world.
However, these theories are mostly speculation, and there is no hard evidence to support them. But even though the odds are against the existence of sharks in the lake, this myth still persists. Locals and tourists alike will occasionally report seeing a fin or a tail in the lake, though most of these instances can be attributed to a mistaken identity or wild imagination.
The Real Danger In The Lake
Though most of us would like to think of Lake Superior as an idyllic place, it does in fact pose some real dangers. According to Great Lakes Anglers, the lake is home to some of the most dangerous creatures that one can encounter in the waters. These include muskellunge and northern pike, both of which are capable of causing serious injury if mishandled.
The lake also contains a variety of other dangerous animals such as snapping turtles and bullheads. Additionally, the lake can be subject to strong currents and large waves, which can be dangerous for boaters and swimmers. Despite the dangers, these creatures and conditions should not cause undue alarm when swimming or boating in the lake.
Climate Change Effects on Lake Superior
Lake Superior is experiencing one of the largest climate change impacts in the Great Lakes due to its large surface area, deep waters, and long summer season. In addition, Lake Superior serves as the last refuge and breeding ground for several species of fish. According to researchers, these factors make the lake especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Water temperatures in the lake have already begun to rise, leading to a shift in the lake’s ecosystems. This includes changes in the lake’s fish species. As the lake continues to warm, experts predict that some fish species will become less abundant, while other more heat-tolerant species will become more common. In addition, higher lake temperatures can lead to an increase in the amount of harmful algae blooms in the lake.
Human Involvement in Lake Superior’s Ecosystem
Though climate change is a major threat to the lake’s ecosystem, humans can also play a role in making sure that the lake remains healthy. According to the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, there are several steps that people can take to help protect the lake. These include reducing pollution, preventing the spread of invasive species, and minimizing shoreline erosion.
By taking these measures, we can ensure that Lake Superior remains one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders in the future. In addition, taking these precautions will also reduce the chances of any sharks returning to the lake as the conditions become too warm for them to survive.
What Can We Take Away From This?
Despite the rumors and theories, it is clear that Lake Superior does not contain any species of sharks. Though tales of Lake Superior sharks still persist in the local folklore, it is important to note that the lake is home to a variety of other creatures, some of which can be dangerous if not treated with caution. Climate change is also a major threat to the lake’s ecosystem, and it is up to humans to play a role in preserving this beautiful natural wonder.
