Tiger Shark vs. Bull Shark: Who Are the Most Dangerous

Sharks, some of the oldest living species, have been around even before dinosaurs. These apex predators can be found in most ocean habitats all over the world, from South Florida to the Arctic. You may find some on freshwater fishing trips in Maryland or on boat rides on the Chesapeake Bay.

While most of these giant fish are known to be harmless unless provoked, there are still species that inspire fear among humans for a good reason. The great white shark has often been considered the scariest because of the film Jaws and the documented attacks on humans, but there are other shark species that humans should leave alone. Two of these species are the tiger shark and the bull shark — often listed next to the great white as among humanity’s most fearsome living creatures.

But are they as dangerous as reports and pop culture would have us believe? This article will compare and contrast the tiger and bull sharks. Learning more about sharks and underwater creatures is important for anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. This knowledge helps one enjoy a safer time communing with nature while acting as a steward of the environment.

Tiger Shark

The tiger shark stands next to the great white shark as the second-largest predatory shark species in natural history. It can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh up to 1,400 lbs. It is distinguishable from other shark species with its dark spots and tiger-like stripes, though these marks are known to fade as they age. The strips help the tiger shark to camouflage itself in sunlit waters. 

The tiger shark is known to live in tropical and subtropical waters and can be found worldwide. Don’t be surprised to encounter them while fishing charters in the Florida panhandle. Anglers also report spotting them in South America, India, Africa, China, and Australasia ocean waters.  

Bull Shark

The bull shark may not grow as big as the great white and the tiger, but it is still one of the biggest predatory sharks, growing only up to 11 feet long and 500 lbs. Anglers can distinguish it from other shark species with its stocky build and small snout. Because of its grey coloring, it can be hard to differentiate it from other similarly colored shark species.

Equally well distributed worldwide, the bull shark prefers warm waters and coastal areas. Anglers can find them on fishing tours in areas as diverse as Massachusetts and Brazil. Other places you might encounter them include Morocco, Chile, and parts of Australasia.

One unique aspect of the bull shark that may contribute to its danger score is its ability to stay in freshwater for long periods. It is not unheard of to find bull shark in rivers such as the Potomac River in Maryland and the Mississippi River in Illinois.

Who’s More Dangerous — the Tiger Shark or the Bull Shark?

Both shark species are known to be aggressive and can attack unprovoked. Statistically, the tiger shark inflicts more danger to humans, with documented attacks attributed to the tiger shark amounting to 102 non-fatal attacks and 36 fatal attacks. The bull shark has only 95 non-fatal and 26 deadly attacks. Experts note that these numbers may be higher as the bull shark is harder to identify. Hence, attributing shark attack numbers to them is trickier than the tiger shark and even the great white shark.

In terms of bite force, the bull shark has one of the highest in all shark species at 1,350 psi. The tiger shark scores at a comparatively lower 325psi. The bull shark is also known to ram itself against its prey and other species, hence its name. Unsuspecting people in freshwater bodies may also encounter bull sharks inshore. 

Perhaps because of its size, the tiger shark is still considered more dangerous to humans than the bull shark. Because of its highly diverse and voracious diet, the tiger shark can eat just about anything — including smaller fish, dead animals, and garbage. They’re particularly attracted to fishing charters and boats that leave a trail of blood and fish entrails in the water. They are naturally not aggressive during human interaction, but it's hard to minimize the chances of a shark attack as they are known to attack unprovoked.

The Real Threat

Shark attacks occur in real life — sometimes provoked, other times unprovoked. In Hawaii, for example, sharks bite humans at a rate of three or four per year, and these shark bites are rarely fatal. Such dangers are a part of being out in the wild, so humans are always advised to proceed cautiously.

When considering the threats these creatures pose to humans, we must also consider the threat humans pose to them. Humans know more than 500 shark species, and over a hundred are considered under threat. On a per-year average, 100 million sharks are killed by the fishing industry, compared to the six to eight humans worldwide killed by shark bites.

Safe Shark Encounters

Different shark species, such as the sand tiger shark, blue shark, mako shark, thresher shark, lemon shark, blacktip shark, and more, can be found throughout the United States. Some of them can be legally caught, while others are strictly prohibited. It can be hard to distinguish each species, especially if you're not an expert. The best way to guarantee a safe shark encounter - whether you're fishing for them or not - is to book a fishing charter. Charters such as Morris Aquatic Charters and Reel Adventures Fishing Charters in Florida, Bluelight Charters, and Top Predator Adventures in South Carolina specialize in shark species that roam their waters. Most of these charters target the blacktip shark, a requiem shark like the bull shark and tiger shark found in tropical and subtropical habitats, including brackish waters.