Myth: Sharks disappear before a storm or hurricane

 A little late, but in honor of shark week. Let's talk about whether sharks can tell if a storm is coming. 

                             Photo credit to my good friend Cassandra the scuba diver. 

Sharks like other animals can absolutely tell a storm is coming. Sharks have an internal organ called a lateral line organ.  This organ allows them to sense movement, vibration and pressure changes. A large storm or hurricane lowers the barometric pressure, which notifies the shark of the impending storm. 

Large storms and hurricanes also bring colder water to the surface. Sharks tend to like stable thermal environments, so they will seek waters of their preferred range. 

Sharks are one of the oldest species on earth, its no wonder they leave the area they are in when trouble is a brewing.