The best way to explore is to keep an eye out for the most amazing, and the most unexpected. Did you know that any of these creatures resided in the Chesapeake Bay?
You definitely know all about the blue crabs of the Chesapeake Bay, and we’ve given you the facts you need about our oysters. But the Bay is filled to the brim with amazing species, and some are not commonly known. There are fish, birds, insects…but the Bay encompasses a wide area, and a huge ecosystem. The best way to explore is to keep an eye out for the most amazing, and the most unexpected. Did you know that any of these creatures resided in the Chesapeake Bay?
- Cownose Ray
Some people attribute rays with more southern areas of the States, assuming that they like warmer climates. But cownose rays can travel as far north as Kent Island, which is a small ways away from Annapolis. They are also incorrectly assumed to be invasive species. The amazing thing about these rays is their venomous spines on their tails. One strike, while not necessarily deadly, can be incredibly painful.
- Loggerhead Turtle
These are actually the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world! Many think that sea turtles are only native to warmer and tropical areas, but that’s not the case. Sea turtles actually live in all temperate oceans, and will nest all the way up to New Jersey. A loggerhead turtle can dive for up to 20 minutes without needing to breathe.
- Florida Manatee
Can you believe that these manatees can show up as far north as Havre de Grace? They will swim in most waters when they are warmer than 68 degrees. Manatees prefer shallow water and will hover near the surface. If you ever see one in the Bay, you should contact the National Aquarium’s Stranded Animal Hotline, as the aquarium is trying to keep track of them. There may only be 2,500 left in the United States.
- Bull Sharks
It would be quite a rare sight to see a bull shark in the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding estuaries, but it has certainly happened in the past. They like warmer waters, though. They are the only shark species that inhabits freshwater; and they’re also the most likely to attack humans. You shouldn’t worry, because bull sharks do not frequent the Bay, despite their sightings.
Want to enjoy what bounty the Chesapeake Bay has to offer? Come to Costas Inn today!
Costas Inn has been a family owned and operated restaurant for over 40 years. We were recently voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today. You may have spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
We were also voted #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal! You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+,Pinterest, and YouTube!
Tags: Chesapeake Bay, Costas Inn
