Yes, a 12-Foot Bull Shark Really Was Found in an Illinois River

When you swim and/or play around a river in Illinois, you know you need to expect the unexpected. But, in this case I would guess that what was really found is something few would never expect. Yes, a 12-foot bull shark really was found in an Illinois river and there are video and pics to prove it.

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Having been born and raised in Hannibal, Missouri and living in Quincy, Illinois most of my life, I've heard my share of stories about creatures that have been seen in the Mississippi River and other waterways near us. Catfish the size of a person is just one of the legends. Every now and then, you'll hear someone claim they saw a shark. Don't laugh. It has happened. 

I was reminded of this shark sighting in a river in Illinois by Monster Quest on History Channel. They told the story of "Jaws in Illinois" from back in 2008 and 2009. A fisherman claimed he had seen a bull shark so they investigated. Spoiler Alert: they found one lurking in the river.

The believe it was a female bull shark that had made its way up the river to near Alton, Illinois taking this path.

How would you like to come face to snout with this huge beast?

If you watch the episode to the end, you'll see a picture of ANOTHER shark that this Illinois fisherman caught on July 24, 2008. Someone please cue up the Jaws theme now.