This is the time of year that Gulf sturgeon start their annual migration back into the Suwannee River, and state officials are warning people to slow down and be aware these fish are jumping.
Sturgeons have a history of injuring boaters in the Suwannee River - the large, prehistoric-looking fish have hard plates along their backs and can grow up to 8 feet long and up to 200 pounds.
Biologists estimate the annual population at 10,000-14,000 fish.
Two people were injured in accidental collisions with jumping sturgeon during 2009, there were three in 2008, and in 2007 nine people were injured and one was killed in accidental collisions with the fish.
State officials have been trying to alert boaters to the risks of jumping sturgeon by posting signs at each boat ramp along the Suwannee, they say the best way to stay safe is to drive slow and wear life jackets.
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