Ep 18. Jaws in Illinois

In the second season of Monsterquest, episode 18 titled "Jaws in Illinois", the mystery of a possible great white shark sighted in the Illinois River is investigated. The episode begins with a brief history of the region and the Illinois River as well as an introduction to the eyewitnesses who claim to have seen the shark.

The sightings of the shark are reported in the small town of Morris, Illinois, located about 60 miles southwest of Chicago. According to eyewitnesses, the shark measured between 6 to 14 feet in length and had a distinct dorsal fin and a white underbelly. The eyewitness accounts are corroborated by several photographs of the alleged shark taken by locals.

The MonsterQuest team sets out to investigate the sightings and to find out if there is any truth behind the claims of a great white shark swimming in the Illinois River. The team speaks with eyewitnesses, marine biologists and other experts in the field of shark behavior and migration.

During the investigation, the team uses advanced technology such as underwater cameras and sonar to search the waters of the Illinois River for any evidence of a shark. They also conduct interviews with local fishermen, who have been working on the river for years, to determine if there have been any changes in the fish population or anomalies in the river that could suggest the presence of a shark.

As the investigation intensifies, the team discovers that the Illinois River is home to a diverse ecosystem of fish and wildlife, including several species of fish that are typically prey for sharks. The team also learns that great white sharks are known to migrate very far in search of prey, and could potentially be found in freshwater rivers.

Throughout the episode, the MonsterQuest team presents different theories as to what the eyewitnesses might have seen. Some of these theories include a bull shark – a species known to inhabit freshwater – or a sturgeon, which can grow to be quite large and have a similar dorsal fin to a shark.

Ultimately, the MonsterQuest team leaves it up to the viewers to decide whether or not a great white shark is swimming in the Illinois River. However, the episode does raise some interesting questions about the mysteries that still exist in the natural world and the possibility of encountering creatures previously believed to be in far-off places in unexpected locations.

Overall, "Jaws in Illinois" is a fascinating episode that combines science, technology, and eyewitness accounts to explore the possibility of a great white shark swimming in the Illinois River. The MonsterQuest team presents the evidence in an impartial and engaging manner, allowing viewers to make their own conclusions about the existence of a great white shark in this unusual location.