What is the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, stretching 2,320 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest river system in the United States, carrying around one million metric tons of water each day. Along its path, the Mississippi River moves through 10 states and serves as a major transportation artery for commercial shipping, recreational water activities, and providing drinking water for millions of Americans in the region.
Do Sharks Live in the Mississippi River?
The question of whether sharks live in the Mississippi River is an interesting one. The fact is, while it isn’t impossible for sharks to find their way up the Mississippi River, it is highly unlikely. For starters, sharks generally inhabit ocean and coastal waters, so they are ill-suited to the freshwater environment in the river. Additionally, the colder winter temperatures in the upper Mississippi would be deadly to sharks that generally require warm water to survive.
However, while the Mississippi River doesn’t contain the same types of sharks found in the ocean, there are several species of “river sharks” that do inhabit some regions of the river. The most well-known of these is the bull shark, which is one of the few types of sharks that can survive in freshwater environments. While the bull shark is typically found in saltwater, it is capable of swimming upriver for as far as 5000 miles.
Therefore, it is possible for bull sharks to be spotted in some locations along the Mississippi River. However, even if a bull shark does find its way upriver, it would only travel as far north as St. Louis. Beyond this point the water temperature is too cold for the shark to survive.
Risks of Encountering a Shark in the Mississippi River
The likelihood of encountering a shark in the Mississippi River is extremely low, but as with any body of water, there is always a risk. It is important to remain aware of your surroundings when swimming in rivers, lakes, or oceans, and to know what to do in case of a shark encounter. If you do happen to come across a shark, it is best to remain calm and slowly back away, as sudden movements can trigger a predatory response. It is also important to remember that most shark attacks are actually cases of mistaken identity – sharks get confused between humans and their natural prey, and will usually move away when they realize their mistake.
Historical Accounts of Sharks in the Mississippi River
Throughout history, there have been occasional reports of sharks spotted in the Mississippi River. In June of 1887, a 7-foot bull shark was reported to have been caught in the Illinois River near St. Louis – the farthest north a bull shark is known to have traveled up the Mississippi. In addition, there have also been unconfirmed sightings of a hammerhead shark and a great white shark making their way upriver. The most famous of these occurred in 1937, when famed outdoorsman Ernest Hemingway reported seeing a hammerhead shark while fishing near Baton Rouge.
The Impact of Pollution on Sharks in the Mississippi River
It is also important to consider the impact of pollution on any potential shark population in the Mississippi River. The river’s water has been contaminated by agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage, meaning that any sharks that do inhabit the river are being exposed to hazardous levels of pollutants. Ingestion of these toxins can lead to a range of health issues, making it difficult for the sharks to survive in the river.
Conservation Efforts to Protect Sharks in the Mississippi River
Given the risks and challenges that these sharks face, efforts are being made to protect any potential population in the Mississippi River. Organizations such as the Shark Conservation Fund are working to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river system and monitor any signs of shark activity. In addition, various fishermen in the region have also set up equipment to safely release any sharks that are accidentally caught in the nets, helping to ensure the health of the local shark population.
Conclusion
While it is highly unlikely for ocean dwelling sharks to make their way up the Mississippi River, it is possible for river sharks such as bull sharks to survive in certain regions of the river. However, if a bull shark does find its way upriver, it faces many challenges such as pollution and winter temperatures. Therefore, it is important for conservation organizations to continue working to protect these sharks and their habitats in the Mississippi River in order to ensure their future.
