Species FishBull Shark

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

UncommonFish
Illustration of Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Safety note: A stocky, aggressive shark considered potentially dangerous, especially in shallow murky water. Give it a wide berth.

Unique among sharks for its tolerance of fresh water, the bull shark swims far up rivers and into lakes. Its habit of hunting in shallow nearshore water puts it among the species most often involved in incidents with people.

Habitat
Shallow coastal seas, estuaries, and rivers; ventures far into fresh water.
Diet
Fish, rays, smaller sharks, sea turtles, and crustaceans.
How common
Uncommon
Huck Podcast · Ep. 4The 12 Days That Invented Jaws: the true story of the Bull SharkWatch or listen · 15 min

Best time to see a Bull Shark

The best time to see a Bull Shark is March–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 400 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Bull Shark sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Bull Shark? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Bull Shark is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Bull Trout
Bull Trout
Salvelinus confluentus
Bullhead Minnow
Bullhead Minnow
Pimephales vigilax
Bullseye Puffer
Bullseye Puffer
Sphoeroides annulatus
Burbot
Burbot
Lota lota
Butterfly Peacock Bass
Butterfly Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
Cabezon
Cabezon
Scorpaenichthys marmoratus
California Halibut
California Halibut
Paralichthys californicus
California Sheephead
California Sheephead
Semicossyphus pulcher