Sturgeon returning to the Suwanee River

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.

On average, though, they weigh about 40 pounds.

They can leap more than 7 feet out of the water. 

Biologists estimate the annual population at 10,000-14,000 fish. 

There were no reports of boaters being injured by sturgeon in 2013.

In 2011, six boaters were hurt and 11 reported encounters with jumping sturgeon, in 2007 one person was killed in an accidental collision 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 a life jacket. 

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