Yes, Sharks Live in the Mississippi River—Here’s What You Need to Know
While it might sound unbelievable, sharks do live in the Mississippi River!
Though the river is known for its freshwater habitat, certain species of sharks, such as the bull shark, are known to venture into brackish waters where freshwater meets saltwater.
These adaptable sharks can survive in a wide range of salinities, allowing them to travel up rivers like the Mississippi.
Bull sharks are particularly well-known for their ability to swim in both freshwater and saltwater.
They have been spotted as far inland as Illinois, where the Mississippi River connects to the Gulf of Mexico.
This is rare, but it does happen when sharks swim past the ocean’s salty barriers.
While shark sightings in the Mississippi are rare, it’s important to remember that these creatures are not usually a threat to humans in freshwater environments.