Michigan’s Favorite Shark from Shark Week is an Impressive Brute

Growing up near the Gulf of Mexico, I’ve always had a cautious relationship with sharks. Thankfully, living in Michigan now provides a distinct relief when visiting the Great Lakes, where shark encounters are non-existent.

However, unlike my personal wariness, America seems to have a fascination with sharks. Even in an era where many have moved away from traditional cable television, Shark Week remains a popular summer event on Discovery Channel and Discovery+. This annual spectacle captivates screens nationwide as viewers immerse themselves in learning about these formidable ocean predators.

Though I’m not a regular Shark Week viewer, it’s easy to understand its allure. Sharks are inherently fascinating creatures, potentially nerve-wracking in person, but incredibly intriguing through the safety of a television screen. This year’s Shark Week, featuring host John Cena, once again drew massive interest from across the country.

Following the event, BetMGM conducted an analysis to see which states showed the most interest in various shark species during Shark Week. Unsurprisingly, Google searches for different types of sharks saw significant spikes during this period, with specific preferences emerging in different states. In Michigan, the Bull Shark captured our curiosity the most.

Michigan wasn’t alone in its interest. Searches for Bull Sharks spiked by 265% during Shark Week compared to the rest of the year, making Bull Sharks one of the most researched species. Interestingly, fifteen states, including Michigan, showed a keen interest in Bull Sharks. However, the Greenland Shark topped the charts, becoming the most searched shark species in sixteen states.

So, what makes Bull Sharks so fascinating? According to the National Wildlife Federation, Bull Sharks are among the most dangerous sharks due to their aggressive nature and their habit of living close to shorelines. Additionally, Bull Sharks have a unique ability to migrate up rivers, increasing their potential for encounters with humans.

Interestingly, Bull Sharks are capable of surviving in freshwater, theoretically allowing them to live in the Great Lakes. However, the cold temperatures of the Great Lakes’ waters make this scenario highly unlikely as they prefer much warmer climates.

Source: BetMGM, National Wildlife Federation