Shark Spotted Near Bishop Park in Wyandotte

The city of Wyandotte sent out a breaking news alert Sunday morning about a 21-foot-long Great White shark spotted swimming in the Detroit River near .

Those who read it and didn't realize what today's date is were reminded when they got to the end of the alert and discovered it was merely an April Fools' prank.

The real "shark" spotted in Wyandotte is the reproduction of John Singleton Copley's Watson and the Shark, a painting on display at Bishop Park through , which officially opens today in Wyandotte.

As part of the project, the DIA has brought seven high-quality reproductions of art pieces from its collection to the streets of Wyandotte. Some of the pieces hang on the sides of buildings, while others are freestanding throughout the downtown area, including the one in Bishop Park. The pieces are clustered within walking or biking distance from each other to encourage people to get out and view them all.

While today's shark sighting was a prank, the afternoon event scheduled at the park is for real. There will be crafts and activities for children and giveaways for all ages between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Bishop Park, between Oak and Chestnut streets.

For those who didn't see the city's news alert, here it is:

BREAKING NEWS IN WYANDOTTE:  SHARK SPOTTED IN BISHOP PARK

Early this morning, fishermen spotted what they estimate to be a 21-foot-long Great White Shark swimming in the Detroit River. Although sharks aren’t traditionally freshwater creatures, Police Chief Daniel Grant said in an official statement “Sharks are unable to thrive for an extended period of time in fresh water, so we’ll have no problem catching it,” But, he adds, “It looks like we’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Mayor Joseph Peterson speculates that the shark’s appearance is attributed to the warmer weather that our area has been experiencing. “This weather has been unseasonably warm this year. Who wouldn’t want to make a trip to Wyandotte when it’s warm and sunny? It’s beautiful here!” Local officials assured the public that they will make every effort to capture the predator before the city’s annual Kids Expo and Fishing Derby on Saturday June 2nd. 

PLEASE NOTE:  The above message is an APRIL FOOLS DAY PRANK, brought to you by Wyandotte’s Inside|Out, a program of the Detroit Institute of Arts.  Happy April Fool’s Day in Wyandotte!  Families can join us at Bishop Park from 1 to 3 p.m. TODAY to see the shark in the reproduction of John Singleton Copley's Watson and the Shark. We’ll have giveaways for all ages and crafts and activities for kids. The event is FREE!  Join us at Bishop Park between Oak and Chestnut Streets. We hope to see you there!