![]() This could impact the Bay's ecosystem since sharks feed on species like blue crabs and other fish. Sharks sightings may becomes more common as temperatures continue to rise. The water in the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers are warmer than in past decades, making the area less suitable for some species and more suitable for others. Their range includes the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The dusky shark used to be fairly common in the Chesapeake, but is now just an infrequent visitor to the lower Bay in the summer months. As a smaller shark (only 4 feet on average) it's often caught by anglers fishing along the coast, from Virginia to Texas. The Atlantic sharpnose is a rare visitor to the lower Bay only. Spotting a hammerhead would be quite an experience they are not only a larger shark but are also endangered. The scalloped hammerhead rarely enters the Bay at all, but there have been a few records of it at the mouth. (Photo courtesy of Albert Kang/iNaturalist CC BY-NC) The scalloped hammerhead is an endangered species with only a few records from the mouth of the Chesapeake. Infrequent and rare visitors Scalloped hammerhead As an ambush predators, they feed primarily on bottom dwelling crabs, shrimps, squids and fishes. The Atlantic angel shark is another summer and fall visitor in the lower Bay that is very rarely found farther north in the Bay. It's been found as far north as the mouth of the Choptank River. The smooth hammerhead is an uncommon visitor to the lower Bay during the summer or fall visitor. Bonnetheads are more common in southern waters and often seen in groups of dozens, but are less common in the Chesapeake. It mostly inhabits waters that are between 30-80 feet deep. The bonnethead is an occasional summer visitor to the lower Chesapeake Bay. Most of these sightings are reported as being of one to three individuals, although there have been reports of hundreds of them at once. The shark is often observed swimming and feeding at the water’s surface and will occasionally venture from its normal coastal habitat into large bays like the Chesapeake. The basking shark is an early spring visitor to the Chesapeake Bay. (Photo courtesy of Green Fire Productions/iNaturalist CC BY) The basking shark is more commonly seen along ocean coastlines. The Bay’s blue crabs are a particular favorite of the sandbar shark. In fact, the Bay is one of the most important nursery areas on the East Coast for young sandbar sharks.īut don’t worry about a sandbar shark attack–the spcies typically preys on bottom fishes, other sharks, rays and invertebrates. The sandbar shark can be found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts all the way to southern Brazil, and is a seasonal visitor to the Chesapeake Bay in the summer and fall.Juvenile sandbar sharks are common to abundant in the Bay during this time of year. The most common shark found in the Chesapeake is the sandbar shark. ![]() The Chesapeake’s most common sharks Sandbar shark Sharks may be cool to look at, but the best option for their safety and yours is to leave them alone. There are no recorded shark attacks in the Chesapeake Bay according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the International Shark Attack File notes only a few attacks occurring in Maryland and Virginia's coastal waters.Īs with any wild creature, you’ll want to be cautious. However, these sharks rarely pose a threat to human safety. ![]() ![]() ![]() At least 12 species of sharks are known to visit parts of the Bay, and can be found here between summer and fall. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)ĭuring hot summer months people in the Chesapeake Bay region spend more and more time on and in the water, which often leads to one of the biggest questions and concerns about safety in the Bay: Are there sharks in the Bay? The sandbar shark is the most common shark species that visits the Chesapeake Bay, but at least 12 species can be found. ![]()
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