Nature’s Toughest Shark in the Spotlight – Superpowers exposed!
This month’s Monthly Chomp is all about one of the most powerful and adaptable sharks in the sea – the bull shark. Known for their stocky build, fearless nature, and the incredible ability to live in both saltwater and freshwater, they are true survivors. They’ve been spotted cruising oceans, rivers, and even lakes, making them one of the only sharks that can swim hundreds of miles inland. With one of the strongest bites of any shark their size and a reputation as a top predator, bull sharks demand respect. But there’s more to them than muscle – they’re smart, curious, and critical to healthy marine ecosystems. Dive in and discover why this misunderstood shark is so much more than its reputation.
Bull Shark At-A-Glance
Scientific Name: Charcharhinus leucas
What size do bull sharks get?: Bull sharks can get as large as 500 pounds (226.80 kg) and close to 12 ft in length (3.7 m). Their sheer size assists in hunting strategies and environment dominance.
Where do bull sharks live? : Bull sharks have a very wide distribution – they are found in both marine and freshwater environments due to immense adaptations in osmotic cell function. They are present in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, inhabiting depths of up to 450 ft (150 m).
What do bull sharks eat? Bull sharks have a diet consisting of cetaceans (dolphins), bony fishes, turtles, birds, molluscs, echinoderm, and even terrestrial mammals that may wander into their path. Their diverse diet is due to their immense adaptability – they are opportunistic feeders, taking what they can get.
How do bull sharks reproduce?: Bull sharks, not unlike other carcharhiniformes, are viviparous, meaning they give live birth. They have a gestation period of around 12 months before giving birth to between 1 and 13 pups.
How long do bull sharks live?: Bull sharks can live anywhere between 12 and 16 years in the wild. However, there are records of bull sharks in captivity living up to 30 years.
What is the IUCN conservation status? Currently, the IUCN has the bull shark listed as vulnerable as of November 2020. They are subject to many of the common threats facing sharks.
Do any laws exist protecting the bull shark? : Unfortunately, there are no laws specifically protecting the Bull shark. Information on current laws and loopholes regarding sharks can be always be found on the Shark Angels site.
(Photo courtesy of Beqa Lagoon Resort)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bull sharks aggressive?
Bull sharks are often labeled as aggressive due to their bold nature and tendency to hunt in shallow waters where humans swim. They are considered one of the “top three” sharks most commonly associated with attacks, alongside tiger sharks and great whites. However, aggression is often misunderstood; most bull shark encounters are non-threatening, and many divers safely swim with them around the world. Like most sharks, bull sharks aren’t out to attack humans – they’re simply curious predators navigating their environment.
How fast can a bull shark swim?
Bull sharks can swim at speeds of up to 11.8 miles per hour (19 km/h). Their power and agility help them ambush prey in murky waters, often in rivers or coastal shallows where visibility is low. Their speed and strength make them incredibly efficient hunters.
Has a bull shark ever killed anyone?
Bull sharks have been involved in a number of documented attacks, but data specifically tied to bull shark fatalities is limited. According to the International Shark Attack File, all sharks combined are responsible for an average of 5–6 human deaths per year. In comparison, humans kill over 100 million sharks annually. The real danger? It’s not the shark – it’s us. Learn why that matters in our article on why we need sharks.
What should you do if a bull shark approaches you?
Stay calm. Panicking and splashing in the water can signal distress to a shark. Bull sharks have powerful sensory systems, like the ampullae of Lorenzini and lateral lines, that detect the electrical impulses and vibrations of prey. If one swims toward you, hold your ground – and do not turn your back to the shark. Avoid sudden movements and make your way back to safety with calm, steady strokes. Respect goes a long way in the ocean.
What makes bull sharks unique?
The bull shark’s biggest superpower? Osmoregulation. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can seamlessly move between saltwater and freshwater environments. They’ve been found far up rivers including the Amazon, Mississippi, and even as far inland as Illinois. Their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinity levels is rare among sharks and allows them to thrive in ecosystems from open oceans to murky estuaries. This adaptability makes the bull shark one of the most fascinating and resilient species we work to protect.
Bet you didn’t know this about the bull shark….
- Bull sharks are one of very few shark species with extremely effective osmoregulation, to the point where they can swim upstream and into brackish or fresh water and live! They have specially adapted kidneys and glands that allow them to store excess salt, so they can travel wherever they please.
- The name bull shark comes from the shark’s blunt, short snout that mildly resembles a bull.
- Bull sharks have actually been shown to have a stronger bite force than the Great White! Pound-for-pound, the bull shark has the strongest jaw of all sharks. Studies show that a 9 foot bull shark exhibited a bite force of 478 pounds, while an 8 foot great white showed 360 pounds of force in their bite (Habegger et.al. 2012). Of course, a fully-grown great white would out-bite a full-grown bull any day, but when these animals are the same size, the bull shark comes out on top.
- Bull sharks hold second place for the record of most documented attacks, superseded only by the Great White.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater encounter, diving with bull sharks is as thrilling as it gets. Some of the best places to see them up close include Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Jupiter, Florida, the Bahamas, and the legendary Beqa Lagoon in Fiji – one of the only places in the world where bull sharks appear daily often without the use of bait. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just getting started, this is a rare chance to witness these powerful predators in their natural environment; no cage required. (If you are interested in how shark diving affects shark behavior, and why it’s important to have ethical shark interactions, read more here.)
1. Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
Best time: July to September
Beqa Lagoon is renowned for its thrilling shark dives, offering encounters with up to eight shark species, including bull sharks. The dry season, particularly from July to September, provides optimal diving conditions with excellent visibility and calm seas though bull sharks can be seen year round! Not only is it in a marine reserve, Beqa Lagoon Resort has generously supported Shark Angels with auction items as well – making it a great choice for divers interested in shark conservation.
2. The Bahamas
Best time: February to April
While bull sharks can be seen year-round in the Bahamas, the best time for sightings is between February and April. During this period, divers have the opportunity to encounter bull sharks along with other species like hammerheads and tiger sharks. The Bahamas is a shark sanctuary – so it’s great to support shark tourism.
3. Jupiter, Florida, USA
Best time: January to March
Jupiter’s proximity to the Gulf Stream makes it a hotspot for shark activity. Bull sharks are most commonly encountered during the winter months, from January through March, often alongside other species like lemon and tiger sharks.
4. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Best time: December to February
Each year, pregnant female bull sharks migrate to the waters off Playa del Carmen, creating a unique opportunity for divers. The peak season for sightings is between December and February, when the sharks linger around Bull Shark Point.
If you are as obsessed with bull sharks as we are, be sure to sign up to be notified when our auction goes live! You can bid on a trip to dive with bull sharks from Beqa Lagoon Resort!
Does shark diving change shark behavior? Check out this month’s science in focus >>
Shark Diving In The Spotlight
Bull Sharks and Bait: The Debate Over Shark Feeding Tourism
Is feeding bull sharks helping conservation — or creating a new kind of danger? Diving with bull sharks is one of the ocean’s most thrilling experiences, but a growing debate questions the ethics and impact of shark feeding. Are we changing shark behavior for the worse, or building a deeper connection with these powerful predators? In this eye-opening article, PADI Dive Master Kendall Traiser shares personal experiences, scientific insights, and a fresh perspective on one of the most controversial practices in shark tourism.
After Bites Bull Shark Quiz
Take the bull shark trivia quiz and test your new found knowledge.
Written by Kendall Traiser, a PADI Dive Master, avid shark diver (including bull sharks!) and a Shark Angels intern.