WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Warm ocean waters could be drawing bullsharks to the Outer Banks.

• Warmer waters create perfect environment for nursing
• 53 captured between 2011 and 2016
• Establish nurseries in remote areas

According to a new study led by ECU researcher Charles Bangley, global warming is creating the perfect environment for nursing on North Carolina's coast.

Specifically, the study found that bullshark nursing activity in the Pamlico Sound took a massive spike starting in 2011.

Between 2003 and 2011, only six juvenile sharks were captured in the sound. However, that number jumped to 53 between 2011 and 2016.

Bullsharks can grow up to 10 feet in length and are able to exist within both fresh and salt water areas.

However, there may not be a need to be alarmed. The sharks are establishing their nurseries in remote areas like the Shoal River and Rose Bay, far from the beach action in Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras.