Are there sharks in the Swan River, up near East Perth?
East Perth, WA 6004 is located within the Perth local government area, part of the Perth (Greater) Region in Western Australia.
5 Answers
From the Swan River Trust:
"Bull Sharks occur in parts of the Swan Canning Riverpark and the public should be aware of this when wading or swimming in the river. These sharks can be dangerous and aggressive.
Unlike most sharks, Bull Sharks tolerate fresh-brackish water and thus can travel far up rivers."
http://www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au/docs/fact-sheets/bull-shark-fact-sheet.pdf
They are very common and grow to about 3 metres and live in the Swan River eating Dolphins, Fish and people.
Someone was taken by a big one at the jetty at Cracknell Park in Rivervale when I lived nearby there.
There used to be a shark barrier at Hinds Reserve (Garrat Rd Bridge swimming area) after a number of shark deaths, so Big sharks do get up there.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/two-shark-sightings-in-perths-swan-river/story-fnhrvfuw-1226627304690
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/15368326/shark-spotted-in-swan-river/ Two meter bull shark seen near East Perth.
I just did another check and apparently the adults come up river to give birth, so at any time there could be bigs ones in the water. But, not sure how far up they come. The other shark question I posted an article link.
Bull sharks do head up the Swan River, but they should mostly be small ones! They head back out to the ocean as they grow up a bit. I think they could pose a risk to small kids and pets, so don't let them in the water in the early or late feeding hours. I have seen one take a pelican sitting on the water before - a lot of splashing and bird disappeared pretty quickly! Quite amazing!
There have only been 6 deaths and the 2023 death was the first death from a shark attack in the swan river in 100yrs