There's 5 times as many bull sharks off Alabama now — but don't worry about shark bites

In a study published March 14 in Scientific Reports, researchers found that the number of bull sharks ( Carcharhinus leucas) caught per hour increased five-fold between 2003 and 2020.

However, they may prey on some of the animals that get caught in fishing gear, so fishers may notice more of these juvenile bull sharks feeding on their catch, Mullins said.

Bull sharks thrive in fresh, brackish and saltwater and can grow to be 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) long.

In the new study, scientists reviewed data from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' gillnet survey of the coastline along Mobile Bay.

With ocean temperatures increasing around the world, Mullins sees it as a good thing that bull sharks are able to thrive in warming waters.

A certified Rescue Diver, she gets her scuba fix wherever possible but is too much of a wimp to dive in the UK these days so tends to stick to tropical waters.