WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
After seeing no jumping sturgeon incidents last year, there have been 4 so far along the Suwannee River this year. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Spokeswoman Karen Parker says getting hit with one of these fish can do significant damage.
“Think about this- you’re running down the river, going about 30 miles per hour and basically a brick wall jumps up in front of you and you hit it. You can get seriously injured,” she says.
Parker says the sturgeon can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh around 200 pounds. She says low water levels are likely to blame for the higher incidence of jumping, and with more boaters on the river this weekend there may be more reports. Although there is a risk of injury or property damage from the jumping fish, Parker says boaters can still have a fun and safe weekend by staying alert and wearing life jackets.
