Study: Bull sharks have strongest bite

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TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers and European colleagues say they've determined bull sharks have the strongest bite of any shark, even stronger than the dreaded great white.

Bull sharks, in relation to their body size, bite harder than other, larger predatory sharks, Maria Habegger of the University of South Florida said.

Habegger, with research colleagues in the United States and Germany, analyzed the bite forces of 13 species of shark.

Examination of the jaws and jaw muscles of bull sharks showed they can bite with more than 1,300 pounds of force.

"We expect strong bite force values in the larger sharks that occupy top positions in the food chain, for example, the great hammerhead, great white shark, tigers and bull sharks," Habegger told the BBC.

"These species usually prey upon large prey items such as dolphins, turtles and other sharks, so high bite forces are expected due to the mechanical demands of this type of prey."

Bull sharks, which can reach a length of 12 feet, are named for their large, stout heads and aggressive behavior.