Michigan’s Beloved Shark from Shark Week is a Mighty Predator

Growing up near the Gulf of Mexico meant that avoiding sharks was always a subtle concern for me. Now that I live in Michigan, that underlying fear subsides when I visit the Great Lakes.

However, I understand that my apprehension is not widespread, as America has a fascination with sharks. Despite the sharp decline in traditional cable TV viewership, Shark Week remains a highly anticipated event every summer.

Shark Week, broadcasted on the Discovery Channel and Discovery+, continues to captivate audiences nationwide. It’s a chance for viewers to learn about these fearsome creatures from the comfort of their homes.

Although I’m not an annual Shark Week viewer, I can see why it’s so popular. Sharks are ferociously intriguing and much more enjoyable to watch on a screen than encounter in person.

Following another successful Shark Week, spearheaded by John Cena, BetMGM analyzed which shark breeds caught the most attention in different states during the event.

As it has been the trend for the past few years, Google searches for various shark breeds surged during Shark Week, with certain states showing particular interests. For Michigan, the focus was on the formidable Bull Shark.

Michigan wasn’t alone in its curiosity. Bull Sharks see a 265% increase in searches during Shark Week compared to the rest of the year. Furthermore, Michigan was one of 15 states showing the most interest in Bull Sharks. The Greenland Shark topped the list, capturing the highest search interest in 16 states.

The National Wildlife Federation notes that Bull Sharks are among the most dangerous shark breeds due to their proximity to beaches and their ability to travel up rivers.

Fascinatingly, Bull Sharks can survive in freshwater, theoretically allowing them to live in the Great Lakes. However, the frigid temperatures of these lakes would deter them from making it their home.

Shark Week statistics suggest that our fascination with these marine predators remains as strong as ever, even in states far from their natural habitats.