WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is responding to false reports of a bull head shark found in Lake Tippecanoe.

A story released Wednesday, June 28, via satirical news site “Breakingnews365.net” claimed that Indiana Fish and Wildlife representatives responded to a call at Patona Bay concerning an angler catching a shark on Lake Tippecanoe. Since its release, the article has been shared more than 8,500 times and raised concerns around the county leading into the holiday weekend.

The story released claimed a female bull shark was found in Lake Tippecanoe and had recently given birth to pups. The story also cautioned parents and children swimming off the shoreline of Lake Tippecanoe.

DNR Assistant Fisheries Biologist Tyler Delauder stated, “Hoax news is something that we are starting to see more and more and the ability for information to be spread quickly has never been greater.  It is important to always check the source of the information and make sure that it is reliable one.” Concerning recent reports, Delauder explained, “In the most recent case, a story about a Bull Shark in Lake Tippecanoe is a hoax. The website where the article can be found clearly states on the bottom of the page ‘This website is an entertainment website, news are created by users. These are humorous news, fantasy, fictional, that should not be seriously taken or as a source of information.’”

Lilly Center Director Dr. Nate Bosch shared, “Part of our center’s mission is to keep local waterways healthy and safe, but sharing false reports that cause unnecessary alarm on our lakes is not helpful in making them better for our community.”

In the future, community members are encouraged to contact local experts, such as the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and the Indiana DNR, with concerns about Kosciusko County lakes. Community members are also encouraged to refrain from sharing similar satirical stories which can cause confusion.

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts applicable research, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with other organizations in efforts to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County cleaner. For more information or to support their efforts, visit lakes.grace.edu.