Bull Sharks lurking in Georges River, Picnic Point

A bull shark like this one could be lurking in the Georges River.

SEARING sunshine and 30C-plus temperatures are sending residents and their pets swarming to beaches, pools and rivers.

But those heading for riverside spots such as the Georges River at Picnic Point could find themselves swimming with unwelcome companions - bull sharks.

The maneaters, which can attack swimmers in water less than knee deep, had previously been seen swimming through the river, with recorded attacks on people during the 1930s and ‘50s.

But despite there being a shark sign at Alan Ashton Reserve, Picnic Point, Bankstown councillor Linda Downey said she saw residents who allowed their pets to swim in the river.

“In the past two weeks I’ve seen horses swimming in there and you know that people take them down there regularly because you can see their hoof prints along the foreshore,” she said.

“We really need more signage around that area so that people are aware of the risks.”

But a Bankstown Council spokesman said the council had erected signs at 11 “key locations” along the foreshore to warn residents of the potential hazard of sharks.

“Council urges pet owners to take note of all warning signs and ensure they do not place their pets or themselves in harm’s way,” he said.

According to a forum on www.fishraider.com.au, one fisherman posted a message on July 14 saying he spotted bull sharks at Picnic Point, Milperra and East Hills.

“Do not think for one moment that they are not there, they are there and they are always there. It’s their home.

“Would I swim in any of these areas? Not for a million bucks.”

Another angler said in the 1930s a young boy was mauled by a shark at East Hills and in the 1950s a girl lost both her arms and legs at Picnic Point. A NSW Industry and Investment spokeswoman said historically, while bull sharks had been known to travel through the river foraging for food, there had been no recent sightings of one reported to the department. “Shark signs have been in place for many years as a precautionary measure,” she said.

Source: whereilive