The number of bull sharks in Mobile Bay has grown by as much as five times over the past two decades, according to a study published this week in Scientific Reports.

Using data collected on 440 bull sharks captured, tagged and released between 2003 and 2020 by the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, researchers were able to measure changes in population of bull sharks in the bay, ABC News reported.

The study found that increasing sea surface temperatures over the past 20 years has coincided with the growth in number of juvenile bull sharks found in the bay.

Bull sharks can be dangerous to humans due to their aggressiveness and ability to migrate into fresh water. They can range in size up to 11.5 feet long and adults can weigh 300 pounds or more.

Read the report here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54573-0