Many different types of animals and organisms that live and swim in our rivers and lakes in Montana.

Some mythical and some not so mythical, one that is not so mythical is something that one would never expect and is rarely seen in Montana.

Get our free mobile app

According to an article from balisharks.com, one can find sharks, that's right, sharks in Montana waters.

via GIPHY

Usually one would think that sharks are something that is only in the oceans around the world, and there was an ancient seaway that existed running right through Yellowstone leaving fossils of sharks from the prehistoric era. However, there are three types of shark that can be found in Montana.

 

The Salmon Shark

The salmon shark has been spotted in Montana's rivers. According to Wikipedia, The salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) is a species of mackerel shark found in the northern Pacific ocean. As an apex predator, the salmon shark feeds on salmon, squid, sablefish. Thusly named after what it eats. In Montana the Salmon Shark has no trouble finding it's namesake meal as the state has a healthy population. You can see them in action in Alaska.

The Sleeper Shark

The Sleeper shark can be found snoozing around Montana's rivers, I only write that joking because according to Wikipedia, The "Somniosidae" or the Sleeper Shark is a perceived non-aggressive shark that is slow swimming and is also known for it's low activity. Seems apt for most of the rivers and streams in Montana.

The Great White Shark

Alright. Okay. This might seem far-fetched and ridiculous. However, These aggressive sharks have been allegedly spotted in Montana waters. Maybe not big, nasty great white sharks you see on Shark Week, only because of environmental conditions. Small body of water equals small shark. It's either an error in classification or a full on phenomenon to see a Great White Shark in Montana on account of it's body chemistry. It's a rare or zero chance occurrence to bump into one, so don't be afraid to take a dip in the river.

There's very little evidence of sharks being seen in Montana to the point where you can almost classify it as a form of Cryptozoology. However, the Bull Shark is the most common shark species and it can be found in the ocean, lakes, and rivers at times, and has been spotted as far north as Illinois.

via GIPHY

Giant Springs Trout Fish Hatchery

Giant Springs Trout Fish Hatchery

Fish Native To Great Falls Montana

Fish Native To Great Falls Montana