Often referred to as Zambis or Zambezi Sharks, Bull Sharks are commonly encountered in warm, shallow waters around the world. Master predators built for swift, explosive attacks, these sharks are also some of the most fearsome; in fact, they have attacked and killed people in some highly publicized events. Worthy of their position at the very top of the food chain, these apex predators deserve respect.
Bull Shark Facts
Bull sharks are so named because they resemble an aggravated bull in more ways than one. Their shape, with a pronounced humped back and long fins that stiffen when attacking give them an appearance reminiscent of a bull pawing the ground, as well as for their broad snouts and unpredictable behavior.
One of the major differentiating factors that holds these sharks apart from their closest relatives is that they have the ability to survive and even thrive in either fresh or salt water. While they are not freshwater sharks, they can travel up streams that are deep enough to hold them. They are commonly encountered in Australia’s Brisbane River, and in the canals of the Gold Coast region, a few hours by boat from the ocean. Individuals have been encountered 2,500 miles up the Amazon in Peru’s Iquitos, as well as in Lake Nicaragua, West Bengal’s Brahmaputra River, and India’s Ganges. They have been found swimming in the Potomac River in Maryland, and after Hurricane Katrina, they were spotted swimming in Lake Ponchartrain. In stark contrast, this shark can also live in waters where high salinity prevents most other fish from thriving, for instance, it is found in South Africa’s St. Lucia Estuary. This behavior, in which they leave the habitat they seem naturally suited to in favor of what to us seem less favorable waters seems to be deep seated, and scientists are baffled as to why some of the most extreme cases occur. For example, Bull Sharks have been observed leaving the Caribbean and jumping up the rapids of the San Juan River, much in the same way salmon migrate, until they reach Lake Nicaragua. Tagged sharks have been tracked making the journey there and back in seven to eleven days.
These sharks normally hunt alone, although they are sometimes observed hunting in pairs. They are extremely territorial and will attack anything and anyone that enters their territory, seemingly without additional provocation. As they are so large and so aggressive, and as they inhabit shallow waters, they are definitely animals you should be on the lookout for. Protect yourself as appropriate, and if you know you’re going to be diving in bull shark territory, prepare yourself by reviewing the rules of safe shark encounters prior to getting in the water. Stick with your group, and listen to what your dive master tells you during briefing. While most sharks don’t pose much of a threat, this species does; in fact, it is believed that Bull Sharks were responsible for the Jersey Shore attacks that took place in 1916, as well as for attacks around Australia’s Sydney Harbor Inlets.
One of the best places to dive with bull sharks is in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, where a group of female bull sharks has been coming to be fed by dive operators for years, without any adverse incidents to date. While fish and shark feeding of any kind is controversial, if you want to experience a bull shark dive, this might just be the place to do it. Wherever you go, be sure to use common sense and leave the sharks to the professionals. Keep your camera handy, and watch the drama unfold!