Bonnethead sharks are unusual in that they mate polygynously, meaning that a single male mates with multiple females. Females typically outnumber males by about 4 to 1. Mating takes place during the fall and winter months. Both male and female bonnethead sharks reach sexual maturity at around 4-5 years of age. Once mature, mating occurs annually. Mating behavior has been observed in captive bonnethead sharks and is thought to be similar in wild populations.