Cutty Briar, Washington Department of Fish and Game says, Bull Sharks are known to be able to swim between salt and fresh water. Shark rumors surfaced in 2016, when a photographer from Northern California trying to capture the lower landscape of Lake Tahoe, took a blurry photograph (with a waterproofed GoPro Camera) of what looked like a shark and thus the legend began. Its slow reproductive cycle does not seem to make up for the demands, and commercial harvesting continues to affect the existence of this species. I notice you dont have them on your list. Lake Huron is the . The number of different shark species in Lake Washington is unknown, but it is estimated that there are hundreds of different species. Most of the larger sharks spend their days in deep waters, and the most prevalent danger does not involve bites or attacks, as you will learn below about the Dogfish shark. The exact number of different shark species in Lake Washington is unknown, but it is estimated that there are hundreds of different shark species. One interesting alternative posed for how a bull shark could reach Great Lakes waters is the ship ballast water theory. Iceland during the summer are approximately 52 degrees Fahrenheit, took a blurry photograph (with a waterproofed GoPro Camera, Sharks are categorized based on the temperature of the waters surface, https://www.tahoesbest.com/tahoe_facts.htm, https://www.tripsavvy.com/lake-tahoe-casinos-1478012, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/shark-attack-threats-bull-sharks-location, https://californiacrossings.com/fun-facts-about-lake-tahoe/, https://aceboater.com/en/cold-water-shock-symptoms-treatment, https://www.kcra.com/article/what-s-swimming-in-lake-tahoe-s-depths/6430355, https://www.blueplanetaquarium.com/blog/sharks/where-do-sharks-live/, https://theaquariumguide.com/articles/freshwater-sharks-real-sharks, https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/206388/speartooth-shark.pdf, https://india.mongabay.com/2020/06/the-rare-shark-of-the-ganga/, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/bull-shark, https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Borneo_River_Shark, https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/, https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/sharks, https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/22/us/florida-shark-attack-capital-trnd/index.html, https://www.siyachts.com/where-most-shark-attacks-occur. 0:00 / 4:45 Great white shark caught in lake Erie! At the edge of downtown Seattle's thriving South Lake Union district is an urban oasis: Lake Union Park. The bull shark size reaches a maximum length of 11 ft and, depending on its age, weighs between 198 and 570 lbs. Unlike the bear, Hoffman-Curzi encountered, however, Hank the Tank is far more interested in food than people. How many people die every year from Puget Sound shark attacks? sunken boats, ancient trees, and a form of algae theyd never seen before, How Do Octopus Mate? These include not entering places contaminated by sludge or where Baitfish congregate. Polar Sharks live in waters near or at the polar ice caps, in frigid temperatures that hover just above freezing. With its often frequently overcast skies, grungy atmosphere, and emphasis on good food and third-wave coffee shops, theres, To qualify for MFTE, you will need to verify that your household income falls within income eligibility limits which currently range from 40% 90%, The 2001 Nisqually earthquake occurred at 10:54:32 local time on February 28, 2001 and lasted nearly a minute. Others might even migrate from the Atlantic. There really arent any sharks in Lake Tahoe, but there might be a few other creatures youd want to be on the lookout for. Seattles Drinking Water is Safe From COVID-19 Seattles drinking water remains safe and protected against contaminants, including COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 53.1F / 11.7C. True freshwater sharks are only found in Australia and Asia, so the only sharks that would even give Lake Tahoe a second thought would be the notorious bull shark. These are some of the lakes that sharks live in: Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua. Tags: Shark. If law-enforcement officers see someone swimming in the lake, they usually tell them to get out without citing them, Seattle Police Department spokesman Mark Jamieson said. The fastest shark in the ocean has a maximum speed of 80 kph. Temperatures near the surface may drop as low as 40 degrees in winter. Although nothing is impossible . Understanding the Shelf Life of Mineral Oil and How To Store It. Later the photographer himself admitted he couldnt be sure it was a shark. What Causes Cryptocurrency To Rise And Fall? Mineral oil is a popular product used in a variety of applications, such as lubrication,. Perhaps more worryingly, the warmer temperatures attracting the rattlesnakes are also drawing more ticks and rodents to the area. The type of shark found in Lake Tahoe may likely be in one of the casinos. It stretches from Ontario on its northern shores around to the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Some sharks were found dead in the Ohio River, but all cases were proven to involve sharks caught elsewhere and dumped in the river. A gland made up of salt-secreting tissue helps to remove excess salinity from the body while the gills absorb sodium and chloride to help regulate the sharks internal organs. No injury occurred during the second incident in 2017, but a mans surfboard was damaged. Even so, the lake occasionally is infiltrated by a sub-layer of saltwater, which creeps in via the locks and, being heavier than fresh water, lurks near the bottom. More than 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe for its stunning beauty, outdoor adventures, and a laid-back lifestyle. Sharks live in every freshwater habitat on Earth. The service was all over the place, some crew members were super helpful, but, Sunset hits Seattle at 4:18 p.m. through Dec. 17 the earliest time of the year though the shortest day of the year isnt, Seattle is a special kind of city. Evidently sharks in these waters is still a topic that captures the popular imagination. From Gulf state and federal waters, seven taxa were landed. Jeff Chiu - staff, AP. A huge body of freshwater sounds like the ideal habitat for alligators. Are There Other Dangerous Animals in Lake Tahoe? Very few sharks could adapt to the winter temperatures which often drop below 40. Swimming With Whale Sharks In Cancun: Get Ready To Be Amazed, Yes! The appearance of bull sharks lives up to their name, since, with their short, wide snout and chubby body, they could be considered the "bulls of the sea". The Sound consists of approximately 83 percent ocean water, which equals a little more than 28.5 parts of salt per thousand. By the end of the summer in 2020, 15 lives had been lost on Lake Tahoe. None of these had been eaten by sharks or attacked Tessie. Naturally, stories of sharks making their way into our inland seas captures the attention of many. It also would depend on the time of year the ship arrived to allow for warm enough water temperatures for the shark to live. They range from small black dogfish to much larger basking sharks. Furthermore, the eggs of the alligator gar are also poisonous to humans, birds, and other mammals, even though the fish itself is edible. The most prevalent surface-level sharks do not harm people and are small and usually eat other fish not people. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. It is one of the largest, but it is not as long as the Whale Shark that can grow to more than 60 feet in length. When that happens, the bodys natural response is often an uncontrollable gasp for air, followed by intense hyperventilation., Suddenly, a quick dip in the lake becomes a potentially life-threatening situation. Even if one made it to the Lakes, only in summer would the water temperatures in some of the Lakes be high enough for it to survive. Bull sharks in freshwater also urinate more frequently than those in salt water. Press Esc to cancel. The high altitude of Lake Tahoe, along with the frigid water temperatures, creates a different type of swimming condition and one that requires caution. These threats are much harder to avoid than bears or rattlesnakes but can be equally deadly. Researchers reviewing the footage noted that the fish swam with a shark-like motion and some of the visible fins and mouth shape resembled a bull shark.. Lake Union is not only contaminated, in some areas it is downright toxic, especially at Site 14. Still, you can take precautions that may put you at ease if you suffer from a fear of sharks. What state has the greatest number of shark bites each year? This harsh, extreme depth will likely need professional equipment and specialists to truly discover what lives at the bottom of Lake Tahoe. This question keeps popping up and it got us curious. In a lake as deep as Tahoe, there will inevitably be a few strange and potentially dangerous creatures. In southwestern Nicaragua, Lake Nicaragua is the only Lake inhabited by sharks, sawfish, and tarpon despite being a freshwater lake. More than 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe for its stunning beauty, outdoor adventures, and laid-back lifestyle. Authorities are warning. This is because the water at the bottom of the lake is so cold that it slows down the process of decomposition. Because it has such a large surface area, many people wonder whether sharks reside in Lake Michigan. They found little more than a few sunken boats, ancient trees, and a form of algae theyd never seen before.. Nine sharks were landed from the waters of Sabine Lake/Rivers; 6 were bull sharks, 2 Atlantic sharpnose, and 1 bonnethead. Footage captured in 2016 revealed a remarkably shark-like creature swimming 1,100 feet below the surface. Crashing noises awoke her and, when she went to investigate, she found a bear rummaging through the freezer. He doesnt attack them. 12 Least Dangerous Sharks That Dont Bite, just sits there and eats. One urgent concern involves the washing up of four Sixgill sharks along the Sound shoreline as reported in 2021. It doesn't matter that the chance of a shark getting into Lake Ontario is next to nil, especially this far north (Bull sharks are known to swim upstream in to rivers, but they live in the tropics). Lake Unions current water temperature is 72F. A large number of beaches in the Puget Sound region have high levels of fecal bacteria causing the water to be unsafe for swimming and water contact. It Could Mean Your Package Is Arrival, Do Apks Work On Ios? Upper Lake (28-2) pulled down the No. To learn more about bull sharks, check out this article from National Geographic. How Deep Is The Ocean Floor In Each Ocean? Fishing with my brother off wolfe island in KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA., shark took his catch with him. There are more dangerous animals around the lakes edges than in its unfathomable depths. Because they need salty or brackish water to survive, most sharks can not survive in freshwater. The water in all of the Great Lakes gets too cold for bull sharks to survive the winter. Safety Tips for Swimming in Shark-infested Waters. Lake Tahoe attracts year-round tourists with its gorgeous scenery, summer recreation activities, and some of the best skiing in North America. It doesnt even have any particularly dangerous fish or alligators, but that doesnt mean its necessarily safe to swim in. Keeping Lake Superior shark-free has even become a running joke among the mayoralty. There are sharks in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and even hot springs. This was done to attract attention to the Discovery Channels Shark Week programming! The first is that there have always been some enormous sets up rapids in the St. Lawrence River, so no fish from the ocean could ever make it upstream. That's because their livers can respond to the salinity of their environment and flush freshwater through their system to maintain homeostasis. The locks connect saltwater Puget Sound to freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington. Anyways not only that, but there are so many barriers that these big fish would have to somehow pass through in order to get to the Great Lakes. A close-up and engaging view of a . 10 Puget sound beaches also had no-contact bacteria alerts as of July 2021, so check out for updates on those. There are various places around the world you can either swim or snorkel amongst sharks or see them up close. It straddles the border between Nevada and California. Sharks must maintain a certain salt level, because any dilution to their internal levels leads to the rupturing of cells, bloating, sinking, and death. Reading Suggestion: 12 Least Dangerous Sharks That Dont Bite. For most sharks, the absence of salt water would result in a dilution of salt in the animals body, causing its cells to rupture and the shark to die. Most routes also pose obstacles such as river lock systems that would make it highly unlikely for a shark to successfully navigate through them. Overall, the limnologists say, trust your own best judgment. A really good time. With an average depth of just 10 feet, Lake Washington is shallow and small compared to most other lakes. Theres no need to worry, though. Rumors have swirled for decades about sightings of prehistoric creatures and monster fish, even sharks, in Lake Washington. And note, with water that runs that deep, a fish as large as the one captured on film could have called the depths of Lake Tahoe home for a very long time. In Washington, there have only been two recorded shark attacks, and both were non-fatal. If you are, I am pleased to inform you that there are plentyRead More Museums In Austin Our Top 15, Are you a tourist who is looking for the best coffee shops in Austin? Shark skeletons consist primarily of cartilage, not bones. Only two non-fatal attacks occurred on this Washington state island ever, and those occurred in 1989 and 2017. If you have ever been attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean and believe that this is not possible because they are too large. However, they often have to work their lungs harder and urinate more often when navigating through freshwater. Additionally, follow these three priority precautions. Certain shark species, however, are able to live in freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water. Gray whales, which grow to 50 feet long and 40 tons, can live to 70 years old. If you are, youve come to the right place. The exact latitude, The city limits now comprised the entire West Seattle Peninsula covering 16.34 square miles from the Duwamish Head to the north, the Puget Sound to. You are in the Pacific Northwest, where great white sharks are often seen along the coast. With an impressive depth of 1,644 feet, the reality is that no one knows for sure what lies at the bottom depths of the lake. Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, Reno says the invasive fish excrete nutrients that cause algal blooms, which threaten to muddy Tahoes clear waters.. Watch on This is perhaps why the rumor persists. It is also known as a Ganges River shark. As unbelievable as it may sound, Coggin wasnt the only person claiming to have laid eyes on the creature. More recently, in 2008 a fisherman from Traverse City Michigan found a dead 2-foot-long juvenile black-tip shark in the lake waters. The Montlake Cut and Ship Canal form a connection between Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington, which is fed by the Cedar and Sammamish Rivers. The film frightened moviegoers away from swimming in the sea for fear of a Great White shark at large. Sharks may find their way to freshwater, but can only tolerate it for short stints, perhaps, foraging for food for a few hundred miles, except for a few with unique adaptive shark qualities and behavior in the more hostile environment. The ship ballast water theory presumes that there were other species captured for the shark to feed on during the long journey. He says that all shark reports for Lake Michigan have turned out to be hoaxes. Our mission is to provide our readers with valuable information that will help them live their best lives. (Shutterstock ) ACROSS WASHINGTON It's beach season in Washington, and. What were the odds of a shark on the loose in these waters? Although, dont count on Puget Sound beaches being warm. Whether he ever entered Lake Tahoes eerie waters remains another mystery. Now weve established that there are no sharks in Lake Tahoe, and only one mythical sea serpent, most of us would feel confident about entering the water. San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl reaches for the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, March 4, 2023. However, there are many stories about them. Greenland sharks will eat almost anything they can find, dead or alive, and are extremely slow-moving, tending to move at an average pace of 0.3 meters per second . A 2014 purported video of a bull shark in Lake Ontario turned out to be a hoax, with a full-size . Overall, the limnologists say, trust your own best judgment. If you have never been attacked by one of these animals as well as another animal at the same time (like a bear). Or are you a local who wants to learn more aboutRead More Best Coffee Shops In Austin 30 Best Cafes, Are you looking for the best coffee shops in Chicago? And while Lake Tahoe is well-known for its crystal blue water, clarity at its deepest depths still contains mysteries yet to be discovered. Although they are able to swim in fresh water typic. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Only a couple of non-fatal accidents occurred near the Puget Sound region in 28 years, which affected surfers. I think the U.S. and Canadian residents must take comfort in the belief that they will not likely have to share their favorite swimming and boating destinations with these potential visitors! The Basking Shark that occasionally migrates to the Pacific Coast near Washington grows to a maximum of 40-45 feet. Another invasive species that has the potential to impact Lake Tahoes ecosystem is the alligator gar. Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com. We encourage all Seattleites and visitors to come out to these beaches for a safe and fun swim experience. Once people hear the term "sharks . According to her, he could have broken her neck when the bear attacked. As with many fantastic, but false, stories, there is a shred of truth with this fake post. It is not normal for most sharks to live in lakes. Lake Michigans shorelines face the cities of Chicago and Milwaukee, and border the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. In general, Lake Union water is as clean as any other freshwater in Seattle. Amazing article, really well written and cover much more than expected. The lakes transparency, as low as 30 inches in 1964, reached 10 feet in 1968. Has there ever been a shark attack in Lake Washington? For thousands of years, people have told stories of a huge serpent living in an underwater cave in Lake Tahoe. There appears to be little evidence to back up these stories. Are the Puget Sound sharks becoming extinct? This would be called shark attack encephalitis., Does Mineral Oil Go Bad? In fact, there are sharks around any coastal area that is surrounded by saltwater. Lake Michigans waters only surpass that temperature several weeks a year, so the habitat is not generally suitable for sharks. Lake Forest Park, WA Wednesday, a 10 Ft. Bull Shark was seen in Lake Washington near the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Swimming isnt allowed in Lake Union at all, because of boat traffic on the lake. The Citys water is chlorinated to remove microbial contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses. 3. . You also might have heard that you should not wear shiny jewelry or go swimming with an uneven tan. Bull sharks have been discovered in . The slowest moves at less than one kph, frozen into sluggishness by the frigid waters it frequents. Tiger sharks are uncommon in Victoria. . Sharks generally do not live in the Great Lakes. The first rule of safety in Lake Tahoe would be to wear a life jacket, especially if you are unsure of the waters depth and your own ability and strength as a swimmer. Reading Suggestion:Are There Sharks in Jamaica? With injuries throughout her upper body and her back, Hoffman-Curzi was lucky to be alive. However, no one has caught or even clearly taken a photograph of a shark that came from Lake Tahoes crystal blue waters. Dogfish, Sixgills, Broadnose Sevengills, and Brown Catsharks seem to reside in this area the most. Lake Tahoes crystal-clear waters run deep and cold. In terms of volume, only the five lakes that define the Great Lakes are larger. Covered in hard and tough skin, the serpent was so huge that it crushed small trees in its path, and tossed bowlders of 500 or 600 pounds weight out of its way. Bull sharks are euryhaline, which means they can adapt to different salinity levels. It doesnt care. A few stories about shark sightings surged through the years, but no confirmed records. Early proof that a shark could make its way about 1,700 miles up into Illinois came in 1937 when two local fishermen caught a 5-foot, 85-pound bull shark in the Illinois River. Most had drowned. Just a few days before writing this, an alligator pitched up in the desert inwest Texas. It borders the Canadian province of Ontario and Michigan. But the story lives on, perhaps more as an urban legend now. Every year, people leap into the lakes crystal clear waters without considering how the chilly temperatures will affect their bodies. Hoffman-Curzi lost sight of the bear almost as soon as she laid eyes on it but the pain in her face and upper body told her exactly where the bear was. Cold Water Shock may also impact a swimmers heart rhythms and blood pressure created by the frigid temperatures. 6 seed in the 16-team NorCal field, the winner of which will play the champion of the 16-team SoCal field on March 10 in the Division 5 state championship . 1975 was the year that the famous movie Jaws appeared. However, the water measures at temperatures averaging between 52-54 degrees. Are there sharks in Lake Washington? However, he didnt know whether the shark made its own way into the lake. It might even suffer from frostbite. After a large area of warm water in the Pacific Ocean called the Most sharks appear on the surface at dawn and dusk. There are no sharks in Ohio, whether in the Ohio River or Lake Erie. Since then, there have been dams installed that would prohibit other sharks from making the same journey! Sharks are, for the most part, seawater animals, except for a few species of freshwater sharks across the globe like the Bull Shark, which prefers coastal waters. So are there sharks in the Great Lakes? In 2020, there were only 129 cases reported globally. If you have ever seen a great white shark on TV or in a movie and believed that it is impossible for them to exist in freshwater because they are too large and need saltwater to survive. This article will answer the question Are There Sharks In Lake Washington? The water contamination experienced in this area resulted from heat waves, by the way, and this could possibly change the way sharks behave. 3 things to remember for open water swimming, The 5 most beautiful beaches in the Great Lakes. Lake Tahoe is now home to nearly two dozen ski areas offering excellent skiing conditions across 700 downhill runs and almost 500 miles of cross-country trails. There are ways to reduce the risk of encountering a shark in Lake Washington. If you have ever seen a shark on TV or in a movie, and you believe that it is not possible for them to exist in freshwater because they are too large and need saltwater to survive. Bull sharks can survive in fresh water and one has been caught in the Mississippi River as far north as Illinois.13 May 2020 Are there piranhas in the Ozarks? The Great Lakes are diverse in their geographic location and natural characteristics, and that makes it challenging for even the possibility of a bull shark to get there. Reading Suggestion: The Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Hawaii, Deputy Ron Skibinski of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office says, Cold-water shock, cold-water emersion, hypothermia, those dangers have always been here at Lake Tahoe, but its something that is now being brought to the forefront of our outreach,. Bull sharks are a species of shark that can be found all over the world. Improve this listing All photos (28) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Times Square, Hell's Kitchen Food Tour, and Central Park Stroll 38 Recommended Walking Tours from Of the 170 species of sharks found in Australia, only four are considered dangerous to humans. Some sharks, like bull sharks can live in freshwater and come + go from salt to fresh water freely and pretty regularly. A proposal to ban abortion clinics in Utah and have them provided . Covering almost 4,500 square miles, Lake Nicaragua is a relatively shallow body of water, with an average depth of about 40 feet. Bull sharks can thrive in both salt and fresh water and can travel far up rivers. An anonymous witness reported watching a larger serpent-like creature feeding/hunting in a school of large trout., According to them, the creature was between 30 to 60 feet in length and, instead of swimming from side to side like a snake, it was diving up and splashing down with its head/neck.. Most Lake Tahoe emergencies and drownings happen in minutes sometimes, maybe even seconds. However, when he resurfaced, he refused to speak of his experiences, saying, The world is not ready for what I have seen.. It has a maximum length of 100 Miles and a maximum width of 44.1 miles. The world is not ready for what I have seen. There have been shark attacks in Washington, dating back to 1989, but researchers suggest fear of sharks is misplaced. Lake Tahoe hit mainstream popularity when it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Unlike the crocodile which prefers salt water, alligators are usually found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes. However, the chance of a crocodile making its home in Lake Tahoe is extremely slim. Without clear photos to compare body markings, it was impossible to say whether one shark was being sighted repeatedly, or there was more than one. By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement. This shark specie has the capability to recycle salts through its kidneys and survive in freshwater surroundings. Anyone who becomes a victim of Lake Tahoe is likely never to be seen again. The individuals caught by the fishers, including the one that ate Barra's arm, each measured around 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. Lake Washington has been a popular location for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Hank the Tank, a 500 lb black bear, may not be a killer, but hes got a huge appetite that sees him ransacking homes in search of his favorite food leftover pizza. There have been no reports of bull sharks attacking people in Lake Michigan. We humans thrive on exciting stories of the unknown. Is There Sleeper Train From Seattle To San Francisco? So, why do so many people wonder if there are sharks in the Great Lakes? We have all the latest scoop on what's happening in the world of fashion, beauty, health, home decor and more! Science rarely gets in the way of a good story and rumors of sharks in Lake Tahoe crop again every couple of years. According to some, experts are currently analyzing footage of the beast before releasing it to the public. These tough sharks can swim in rivers and lakes that are freshwater because their bodies are designed to better retain their own salt composition and not lose it to the surrounding water. But, unofficially, there are all kinds of weird and wonderful monsters lurking in its depths, any one of which could be a shark. Lake Erie is the is the southernmost, shallowest, and warmest of the Great Lakes. Swimming isn't allowed in Lake Union at all, because of boat traffic on the lake. This project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario. The Seattle Aquarium provides local and global information about sharks, and this includes fun facts about their body composition and functions. Sharks are saltwater creatures and cannot thrive in freshwater except for the bull shark, which can recycle salt and maintain proper salt levels. Yes, there are sharks around Grenada. In addition, there are a few types of freshwater sharks in the world. This seemed completely illogical to me not have recorded an event that would have so captured public attention regarding the safety of the swimming public! For the rest of the year, the water in the lake rarely exceeds 50, making it unsuitable for the bull shark. In fact, promotions for this TV special have gone so far as to place a fake shark in Lake Ontario. But, when someone spreads the word that there is a shark in one of the Great Lakes, people get worried. Excellent, joyful article! Covering 150km3 Lake Tahoe is certainly big enough to accommodate a few sharks. Are there piranhas in the Great Lakes? However, freshwater travels to Puget Sound from the Duwamish River, which connects to Harbor Island downstream from the Green River. Lake Forest Park, WA - Wednesday, a 10 Ft. Bull Shark was seen in Lake Washington near the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Additional species known to be in the Caribbean include Tiger and Bull Sharks.