The Chesapeake Bay is home to at least 12 shark species, which visit its waters, particularly during warmer months. The presence of these predators indicates a healthy and thriving ecosystem within the Bay.
Shark Species Inhabiting the Bay
Sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus), and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are among the most commonly encountered shark species in the Chesapeake Bay. Sandbar sharks are the most prevalent, found in the lower and middle Bay, favoring sandy bottoms and protected waters. Adults can reach 7 feet, while juveniles are typically 2 to 3 feet long. They primarily feed on bottom-dwelling fish and crustaceans like blue crabs.
Sand tiger sharks are another common visitor, particularly to the lower Bay during summer and fall. These sharks can grow up to 10.5 feet long and are often observed near the Bay’s bottom, being more active at night. Despite their jagged teeth, sand tiger sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, squid, and other sharks.
Bull sharks are occasional summer visitors to the Chesapeake Bay, recognized by their stout build and blunt snout. They are notable for their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to venture far up rivers, sometimes as far north as the Patuxent River within the Bay. Bull sharks typically range from 7 to 11.5 feet in length and can weigh between 200 and 500 pounds. Their diet is broad, including bony fish, rays, other sharks, crustaceans, turtles, and even mammals.
Why Sharks Enter the Bay
Sharks enter the Chesapeake Bay for several reasons, primarily driven by seasonal changes and resource availability. The Bay’s varying salinity levels, which transition from saltwater near the mouth to freshwater upstream, allow certain species like bull sharks to thrive in different areas. Many sharks migrate into the Bay during warmer months, typically from summer to fall, seeking warmer waters and abundant food sources.
The Bay is a rich feeding ground, offering plentiful prey. Sharks feed on various fish, such as menhaden and striped bass, as well as crustaceans like blue crabs. Sandbar sharks, for example, are particularly fond of blue crabs. Beyond foraging, the Chesapeake Bay serves as an important nursery and breeding ground for some shark species, especially sandbar sharks. Pregnant sandbar sharks migrate into the Bay in late spring to birth their pups, which remain in the estuary throughout the summer, utilizing it as a sheltered area for growth before migrating south for the winter.
Shark Encounters and Safety
Human encounters with sharks in the Chesapeake Bay are rare, and recorded shark bites are uncommon. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has no record of shark attacks in the Bay. The risk of a shark attack in the Bay is extremely low.
For those recreating in the Bay, general safety practices can further minimize the risk. Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, as sharks are often more active then. Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry, as the reflection can resemble fish scales. Swimmers should also avoid areas where people are actively fishing or where large schools of baitfish are present, as these can attract sharks. If a shark is sighted, leave the water calmly and avoid sudden movements or excessive splashing.