Swimmers warned to stay out of the Mitchell River in Victoria’s Gippsland after a bull shark was spotted near the Lind Bridge

Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water after a bull shark was spotted in a popular river in Victoria’s east.

Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water after a bull shark was spotted in Victoria’s Mitchell River.

Victoria Fisheries Authority issued a warning on Tuesday afternoon after an experienced fisherman reported they had seen a bull shark near the Linds Bridge at Bairnsdale.

The shark was seen in the freshwater river in Victoria’s Gippsland region which is about 280km east of Melbourne, and a popular spot for people to fish.

Authorities warned people not to swim in areas where human or animal waste entered the water and to keep away from large schools of fish, seals or other wildlife, which could attract sharks.

A bull shark was spotted in the Mitchell River near the Linds Bridge in Bairnsdale in Victoria’s Gippsland region. Picture: istock

VFA Director of Education and Enforcement Ian Parks said while the sighting had not been confirmed, they issued an advice message out of an abundance of caution encouraging people to stay alert around the Mitchell River near Bairnsdale.

“Anyone who sees a shark anywhere in Victoria should call 000 immediately or notify lifesavers if you are at a patrolled beach,” he said.

“Fisheries officers will work with other agencies to monitor the situation.”

While uncommon in Victorian waters, anglers have reported an increase in bull shark catches along the East Gippsland coast in recent years.

Authorities warned people to stay out of the water as bull sharks are aggressive and can be dangerous to humans.

The VFA website confirms there have been sightings along the coast between 90 Mile Beach and Marlo Beach.

“Bull sharks are considered dangerous and aggressive, and are not bothered by brackish and freshwater, and even venture far inland via rivers and tributaries,” the website states.

According to the Australian Museum, bull sharks are aggressive and considered dangerous to humans.

They have an omnivorous diet and feed off meat and plants, and are often found in murky water including freshwater rivers where they are known to breed.

Originally published as Swimmers warned to stay out of the Mitchell River in Victoria’s Gippsland after a bull shark was spotted near the Lind Bridge