<blockquote>Despite talk of a “perfect bull trap,” large holders known as sharks are stacking Bitcoin aggressively — reminiscent of the 2013 accumulation cycle. Data shows this group (wallets holding 100–1,000 BTC) is net-positive on accumulation, signaling long-term confidence even as prices corrected from recent highs around ~$98K to the mid-$80K range.</blockquote>
<h2>Bitcoin Sharks Accumulating — What’s Happening On-Chain?</h2>
Shark wallets have been scooping up <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin">Bitcoin</a> at rates not seen in over a decade, marking the highest accumulation pace since the 2013 cycle. These wallets are often early adopters, institutional desks, or sophisticated investors who see market pullbacks as buying opportunities rather than sell signals.

This trend aligns with broader on-chain indications that smart money continues to absorb supply — even while retail traders exit or cash out. Such divergence between large holders and smaller traders often precedes strong long-term rallies.

Bull Trap Warnings — Is Bitcoin Price Headed Lower?

Not everyone is bullish. Several market analysts tracking Bitcoin’s four-year cycle have raised alarm bells, suggesting the current price action may resemble past false breakouts or bull traps. The term “perfect bull trap” refers to price structures that lure buyers into thinking a breakout is underway — only to reverse sharply.

According to these skeptics, market patterns could push BTC significantly lower before resuming any sustained uptrend — with some calling out scenarios where the price might revisit deeper support levels.

[embed]https://twitter.com/0xLofty/status/2013702361437384914[/embed]
<h2>Smart Money vs Retail — A Classic Market Divide</h2>
Data from sentiment and on-chain analytics platforms shows an interesting behavioral split:
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">Large holders (whales &amp; sharks) are accumulating supply steadily — even amid sideways price action, echoing market moves seen in late 2013 and other earlier cycles.</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">Retail and small wallets are reducing exposure, with small BTC holders selling into rallies, often driven by short-term profit taking or FOMO.</li>
</ul>
This dynamic — smart money buys the dips while retail sells the highs — has historically set the stage for stronger price trends once accumulation phases conclude.

Bottom Line: Is This a Buying Opportunity or a Trap?

Here’s the takeaway for traders and investors:
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">Bullish case: Large holders loading up on BTC suggests confidence in longer-term fundamentals and potential upside.</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">Bearish caution: Technical analysts warn that without confirmed breakout structure, the market could still be in a bull trap — and deeper corrections are not off the table.</li>
</ul>
In volatile crypto markets, it’s classic to see contrarian behavior — smart money accumulating while shorter-term participants panic or take profits.

Why Are Bitcoin Sharks Buying BTC Like It’s 2013?

Bitcoin “sharks” are aggressively buying BTC at the fastest rate since 2013 — despite warnings of a ‘perfect bull trap’ and possible deeper correction.

Why Are Bitcoin Sharks Buying BTC Like It’s 2013?

Top Picks