Shocking Bull Shark Sighting in Popular River: What You Need to Know Now
A bull shark has been spotted in Victoria’s Mitchell River, prompting warnings for swimmers to stay out of the water and remain vigilant.
Bairnsdale, Victoria, Bull Shark, Mitchell River, Gippsland
The Victoria Fisheries Authority got the heads-up from a fisherman who saw the shark near Linds Bridge. That’s a popular fishing spot, by the way, about 280 kilometers east of Melbourne.
Authorities are really stressing the importance of staying out of the water, especially where there might be waste or near schools of fish. Those areas can attract sharks, and we definitely don’t want that!
Even though they haven’t confirmed the sighting yet, they’re playing it safe. Ian Parks from the VFA said it’s better to be cautious. If anyone sees a shark, they should call 000 or let the lifesavers know if they’re at a beach.
Interestingly, while bull sharks aren’t super common in Victoria, fishermen have noticed more of them along the East Gippsland coast lately.
These sharks can be pretty aggressive, so it’s best to keep your distance. The VFA even mentioned that bull sharks can swim far inland through rivers, which is a bit unsettling.
According to the Australian Museum, these sharks are known to be dangerous to humans. They eat a mix of meat and plants and often hang out in murky waters, including freshwater rivers where they breed.