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.

Spotted a Bull Shark?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

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