THE NUMBER of juvenile bull sharks off the Alabama coast has increased significantly in recent years.
The researchers detailed the new findings in a study published March 14 in Scientific Reports.
The study noted that the number of bull sharks caught per hour in Mobile Bay, Alabama, increased fivefold between 2003 and 2020.
All of the bull sharks observed during the study period were juveniles, the researchers found.
“The bull shark’s fork length ranged from 335 to 1,068 mm, indicating that all captured individuals were immature,” said the researcher. to study read.
Bull sharks, especially in the younger stages, prefer warmer waters for growth and development.
The gradual warming of Mobile Bay has created an ideal habitat for these predators.
The study said the findings “demonstrate the impacts of changing environmental conditions on their distribution and relative abundance.”
Still, scientists have assured that there is no need to worry about shark bites as these sharks are not interested in attacking humans.
Sea creatures are more likely to investigate divers or surfers out of curiosity than aggression.
Lead author Lindsay Mullins, a fisheries scientist at Mississippi State University, said Living Science“They’re really not interested in you.”
However, sharks can attack animals caught in local fishermen’s nets.
Despite this, the presence of bull sharks in the bay is actually a good sign, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
A healthy ecosystem flourishes when marine life is diverse.
And bull sharks occupy an important place at the top of the food chain, which can keep the marine environment balanced.
BULL SHARKS
The bull shark is classified as a requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae in the order Carcharhiniformes.
THE DEADEST SHARK IN THE WORLD
While juvenile bull sharks may not be interested in biting humans, this is not the case with all sharks. Here’s what you need to know about one of the world’s deadliest sharks: the Great White Shark
- The great white shark is a species of large mackerel shark
- They are typically found in the coastal surface waters of all major oceans.
- Great whites are famous for their size
- Females are larger than males, growing up to 6.1 meters, or 20 feet, in length
- At full maturity, a great white shark can weigh up to 1,905 kg, or 4,200 pounds
- A 2014 study revealed that the lifespan of a great white shark is estimated to be 70 years or more
- Great white sharks can swim at speeds exceeding 56 km/h or 35 mph
- And they can swim to depths of 1,200 m, or 3,900 feet
- Experts believe that great whites have no natural predators, except the killer whale in very rare cases.
- Great whites became part of the popular imagination after the 1974 novel Jaws and Steven Spielberg’s subsequent film adaptation.
- Humans are not natural prey for great white sharks, but they are responsible for the largest number of unprovoked shark attacks on humans
Adult female bull sharks average 8 feet long and typically weigh around 290 pounds.
The slightly smaller adult male averages 7 feet long and weighs 200 pounds.
There have been recorded cases of a bull shark growing up to 3.3 meters in length.
Bull sharks prefer to swim in warm environments and are typically found in coastal regions of tropical and subtropical zones.
They have tolerance to various levels of salinity, including fresh, brackish, and salt water.
This allows them to swim in a wide variety of areas as long as the water temperature suits their needs.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
