Almost every summer a wave of rumors resurfaces, some playful, others misinformed, about the possibility of sharks in the Great Lakes. Lake Erie often finds itself dealing with fake sightings, viral posts, and misunderstood footage that tends to mislead the public.

Despite the social media buzz, there is no evidence, historical or scientific, that any species of shark has ever lived in Lake Erie.

False shark sightings have been a recurring theme across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, often featuring altered footage or ocean clips mislabeled as local. Dorsal fins are added with editing software, waves are misinterpreted, and large native fish are mistaken for predators.

These posts tend to gain momentum during summer months, especially around Shark Week, or after a shark attack in the south.

In the past, some of these hoaxes have lasted quite a while, but they've all eventually been debunked.

While a few shark species, such as bull sharks, are known to survive in freshwater, conditions in Lake Erie, and the Great Lakes in general, are not suitable for sharks.

The reasons why are quite expected:

   •Lake Erie is too cold for most shark species to survive long-term.

   •The Great Lakes are freshwater systems, and sharks typically require saltwater for physiological balance.

   •Man-made barriers, like dams and locks, prevent any realistic migration from the ocean into the lakes.

   •There is simply not enough food for them in Lake Erie.

Even in a hypothetical scenario where a shark was introduced into the lake, it's almost certain it would not survive.

While there are no sharks in the lake, there are several native and invasive fish species that are large enough to cause confusion among those unfamiliar with the lake’s wildlife.

Common mistakes include:

   •Muskellunge and Northern Pike, which are long and narrow with sharp dorsal fins.

   •Lake Sturgeon, bottom-dwellers that can grow several feet in length and have a prehistoric appearance.

   •Carp, which often cause surface splashing and stir up sediment in shallow water.

In many cases, quick glances, distant photos, or murky conditions contribute to misidentification.

Although created to raise awareness about shark conservation in marine ecosystems, Shark Awareness Day also offers a perfect opportunity to address the misinformation that surrounds sharks.

Unfortunately for you shark lovers, there are none in Lake Erie, and there never have been. But the persistence of these myths shows how easily misinformation can spread, especially in this era of viral videos and online speculation.

On Shark Awareness Day, Erie residents can enjoy the lake with confidence, knowing that the only fins in the water are from familiar, freshwater species.