Bull Sharks Invade Popular U.S. Beaches, Putting Swimmers at Risk

As of November 2025, bull sharks remain a serious concern for swimmers and beachgoers across the United States. This threat dates back to a series of horrific attacks that occurred in 1916, when four people were killed by sharks and another was injured at the Jersey Shore, transforming sharks into "murderous monsters" in the public's perception.

While the exact species involved in the 1916 attacks is unknown, experts believe they may have been bull sharks, which can survive in fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments. In the decades since, bull sharks have been spotted in various waterways across the country, including Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain, Florida's Volusia County, Texas's Galveston Bay, and Alabama's Mobile Bay.

Despite their reputation, shark attacks on humans are relatively rare, with only 30 unprovoked attacks recorded in the past 25 years, and just one fatality. However, bull sharks' preference for shallow waters where humans often swim, as well as their territorial nature, means beachgoers must proceed with caution. Certain hotspots, like Volusia County, which has more reported shark bites than any other county in the U.S., are particularly risky for swimmers.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the number of juvenile bull sharks in areas like Mobile Bay is expected to increase, further heightening the need for awareness and safety measures. Experts advise swimmers to heed local shark alert systems, avoid swimming alone or at dawn/dusk, and steer clear of schools of smaller fish, which could attract predatory sharks.