respect. Weeki Wachee Springs, located in the Weeki Wachee State Park, features turquoise water and eye-catching cypress trees lining the river shores for miles. I came across a small armada of six canoes loaded with 12 guys from the Peach State who were camping along the river for a few days. The 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, located on the Gulf-side of southwest Florida, is no different. Collisions with sturgeon should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922. Come Memorial Day weekend if its nice weather, it will be like playing bumper boats on the Suwannee. They include lightweight, over-the-shoulder and belt-type inflatables, in addition to vest-type life jackets. The woman was killed in the incident involving an alligator based on preliminary information from those who said they witnessed the event, said FWC spokesperson Arielle Callender. Slow down and enjoy the river. Why? All rights reserved. Animal attack:Martin County closes park trails after alligator bites bicyclist who fell on it, A 12-foot, 463-pound alligatorwas found on a Florida interstate: "He wasn't happy". Okefenokee Bigfoot Attack - Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, What really happened in Georgia's Okefenokee, Did a Bigfoot really attack a party of men in, [They] being lost in inextricable swamps, The tale as repeated by Morse continued with, The length of the foot was eighteen, and the. Would releasing hatchery-raised sturgeon help the Gulf sturgeon population?The Suwannee River has a large, healthy, naturally-reproducing Gulf sturgeon population. riparian [T]he next minute he was full in their view, [H]e did not fall alone, nor until he had, Click here to learn more about the history of. All Rights Reserved. 1 , West World: Titans win twin D1 ski titles, www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net/recreation, Cherry Republic keeps TC store; eyes 'whole new concept' in Arcade building, East Jordan leaving Lake Michigan for Ski Valley, Proposed wellness resort met with concern, Awards honor detectives, deputies, corrections, Restaurant Week returns with new eatery, price point, Life as I know it: That telltale tang is worse in winter, New enrollment numbers reveal three schools with notable gains. The strain of this additional mental Just because you don't see alligators when you float down the Ichetucknee River, doesn't mean they aren't there. their lack of fear will make them dangerous to In addition to alligators, the Suwannee River is home to alligator snapping turtles. if Alligators are in the area if you find droppings The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers facilities along the river too. The woman was walking at about 8:15 a.m. when the alligator dragged her into. Copy to clipboard. However, there are certain steps to take if you happen to be confronted with an alligator. What animals live in the Suwannee River? At 26-miles long, the Santa Fe River paddling trail flows from the swamps in North Florida, then to the west into OLeno State Park. When the ambient pressure changes during a high or low front, or when the fish move to a different depth in the river, their bladder will expand or shrink. Learn more about riparian An estimated 5 million wild American alligators live across 10 states in Southeast and beyond - even in the southeastern tip of Oklahoma. Its recommended to catch a shuttle back to the starting point of the Spring. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth . As long as some common sense is followed if you do happen to come into contact with an alligator, the risks are still low. Watch this video to learn about sturgeon research. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 8008778339. Alligators I have been tubing/kayaking this River for 30 years and have NEVER seen an alligator. You will see alligators here. All but 35 miles (56 km) of the river's course are in Florida. NOW - 2:00 PM. as an Alligator Repellant - you know, like mating occasionally, they have few other interests. If youre impaired, you have slower reaction times. clothes to make noise to scare them off, and carry Florida isnt just about swamps and blackwater rivers. Why do sturgeon jump?Researchers have discovered why sturgeon jump. "Formerly, the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) was considered a single, wide-ranging species that extended from the Suwannee River drainage west into Texas. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. These restrictions contribute to maintaining healthy groundwater levels and flows. are some do's and don't's for living around alligators: Buy The current along the Silver River can be swift, generating some speed for the springs that flow into the river. A total of three turtles were trapped; a 100-pound male, a 64-pound male and a 46-pound female. There have been documented cases of alligators attacking kayaks in Florida. Wildlife can include plenty of turtles, deer along the shore, and even an alligator or two. I spent a couple of nights in Lake City, Florida, and kayaked a couple of my favorite area rivers, the Suwannee and Ichetucknee. They feed by sucking in their food. (Source: Facebook/FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute), CBSMiami.com posted a story earlier this week. In June 2016, 2-year-old Lane Graves died . In addition, anglers rarely catch larger sturgeon on fishing gear because Gulf sturgeon generally do not feed in the river. Wild Man of Ocheesee Pond - Bigfoot Captured? Have people been injured by jumping sturgeon?Yes, people have sustained injuries related to jumping sturgeon. That is why the swimming area is roped off and a life guard is sometimes present, to look out for alligators. Much like alligators, these creatures are not particularly interested in human beings: they are perfectly content to leave you alone and are extremely unlikely to attack. The incident occurred at Spanish Lakes Fairways off Interstate 95, which boasts a dog park and 18-hole golf course along with shuffleboard, pickleball and tennis courts among its amenities on 435 total acres and over six bodies of water. Why do sturgeon jump? The best river habitat for gulf sturgeon are long, spring-fed free-flowing rivers. It is slow-moving and has sandbars along for stops when you need a rest. Wildlife experts suspect most nuisance alligators have been fed by humans in. at night, when they can only be detected Unlike sharks - who are natural predators and attack their prey, sturgeon aren't aggressive. Each camp has at least 4 raised chickee platforms with roof, total screen enclosure, a ceiling fan, light, and one electrical outlet .They can be reserved. DNA analysis is the most reliable method to distinguish between the Gulf sturgeon and the Atlantic sturgeon when the capture site is unknown. The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is only found in the Suwannee River basin of Georgia and Florida. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Living with Wildlife and Preventing Wildlife Conflicts, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. sharks, alligators, algae and hurricanes: What are the Floridian odds? 1. Movement from the gulf and up-river movement generally occurs between February and April, while down-river movement occurs between September and November. The FWC researchers believe the turtles are between 40-80 years old. Scientific Name:Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, Size: Grow to between six and eight feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. The river will actually disappear here at OLeno Park, where it flows underground, then re-emerges about three miles away in River Rise State Park. This reporting requirement is consistent with state regulations and will help us better understand threats associated with lawful fishing bycatch. Gulf sturgeon return to their natal stream to spawn. By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWSR4ES20210007, U.S. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. occasionally been spotted in the briny water Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS, Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle Proposed Listing as Threatened, Service Proposes Listing Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act, Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge seeking Youth Conservation Corps crew members, Swan Mortality at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Current Road Conditions at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Georgia Ecological Services Field Offices. Development, surface mining and declining water quality continue to threaten Gulf sturgeon today. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. The SSA, produced with input from many partners, underwent independent peer and partner review. They can also live to be centenariansthe current life expectancy for the average human in Georgia is about 77 years for reference. Kayaking season runs opposite of the popular tubing season, running from fall to spring, which frees the river from most of the congestion experienced during the summer months. Alligators can be found in everyFlorida county. (2014) described two new species of alligator snapping turtle, the Suwannee (M. suwanniensis) and Apalachicola (M. apalachicolae). Florida county. This proposed listing applies only to the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle species. The historic Suwannee River, featured in the song by Stephen Foster, is home to many native species like whitetail deer, gray fox, otter, eagles, and the endangered salt marsh vole. Lake Jesup, Florida. In case you're wondering,sharks, alligators, algae and hurricanes: What are the Floridian odds? The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers facilities along the river too. August 27, 2020 / 6:00 AM that I want to make alligators sound like monsters, Do sturgeon attack boats?No. The river is winding and narrow, taking kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either side of the shoreline. (Read This First). Strikes are simply accidental collisions. You'll then contact the Nuisance Alligator Hunter and provide them with the necessary information. You have permission to edit this article. FWC says it was called out to a gated community located at 16832 Ellsworth Avenue in Bradenton around 6 p.m. to investigate a report that a 77-year-old woman had been bitten by an alligator near a pond. You may submit comments by one of the following methods: Electronically: Go to theFederal eRulemaking Portal. my boat, but I don't mess with them during mating Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. She will spawn multiple times during her lifetime. DO: . How many eggs does a female Gulf sturgeon produce?An individual female will produce between 200,000-500,000 eggs per spawning cycle. Facebook; Twitter; Email; Copy to clipboard. The Service will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 7, 2021. Status: Species of Special Concern (Florida); Threatened (Federal), Size: Grow to between three and four feet in length, Florida Range: Northeast Atlantic coast and possibly the St. Johns River, Status: Endangered (Florida); Endangered (Federal). Passengers riding on the bow have been injured when theyve been struck by leaping sturgeon. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. swamp, they quickly picked up on an Indian. The Service determined that designating critical habitat for the species is not prudent since the designation could increase the degree of threat from poaching. 00:58 - Source: CNN. The agency monitors the water quantity and quality by regular testing and reporting. brookstone therapeutic percussion massager with lcd screen; do nigel and jennifer whalley still own albury park The activities at Bob's River Place are all free, but visitors will have to pay $25-$35 for parking. Adult sturgeon primarily feed during the winter months in marine or brackish water; however, adult sturgeon eat very little during their time in freshwater rivers. Her mother and nine-year-old brother were also injured. Attractions & Museums from $14.63 per adult Private Manatee Tour in Crystal River 348 Recommended Half-day Tours from $657.92 per group (up to 10) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Clear Kayak Tour of Crystal River 588 Recommended Adventure Tours from $75.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River 587 Recommended On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the Proposed Rule box to locate this document. Why are Gulf sturgeon protected?Gulf sturgeon have been federally listed as a threatened species since 1991 and protected by Florida law since 1984. As it has for eons, the fish makes its presence known by jumping out of the water. The river will end at Rogers Park, nearing the Gulf of Mexico. So far as is known, this legend first appeared. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT below by May 24, 2021. How many Gulf sturgeon are in the Suwannee River?Biologists estimate there are about 10,000 adult sturgeon that come into the Suwannee to spawn. Of course, alligator attacks on humans are very rare: that's why this one was news. As part of their natural behavior in summer holding areas, sturgeon frequently jump straight out of the water, turning sideways and landing with a loud noise. They generally do not go into small streams and tributaries, or do so only briefly for spawning. reader asked me if there is any product to use Roughly 4% of alligator attacks on humans in the United States have resulted in death, a majority of which occurred in Florida (Florida Museum International Shark Attack . I wrote last year about our work surveying for Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtles (Machrochelys suwanniensis) in Georgia as part of a range-wide assessment of the species' distribution and status.Since that time, there have been several exciting developments in our work with alligator snapping turtles. Jumping helps the fish equalize pressure in their swim bladder. Fingerlings are nocturnal, rarely venturing into shallow water along the riverbank in the daytime, or into the clear waters of spring outflows. Between the two rivers mentioned above and the St. Johns River you can easily spend four or five days doing multiple float trips. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. swim only where you can see clearly around you, with a firm sandy bottom and no grasses nearby. Scientists have determined that the fish jump to communicate with other sturgeon and to refill their swim bladder so they can maintain neutral buoyancy. The fish tend to stay in the deeper sections of the river and avoid the shoreline. This fully grown alligator has a brain Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. The best course of action is to go slow, wear your life jacket, and stay off the bow of the boat. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. They Kayak rentals are available here too at the park. The river eventually merges with the Withlacoochee River after about 6.5 miles. Spawning males repeatedly rub their snouts against the flanks of the female. Alligator snapping turtle populations apparently do not occur in the seven small streams between the Suwannee and Ochlockonee rivers in Florida. Most Gulf sturgeon exceeding this length are females. As this north Florida river winds its way from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, it is not necessary to consider stock enhancement to maintain or supplement the wild population. The river is also known for its underground cave system that is filled with water some 180 feet below the surface. In fact, the water stays at 72 degrees at all times throughout the year, which if youre wondering what the perfect water temperature is for kayaking, this would be it. To report sturgeon strikes, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 (FWCC). With these choices, Florida should definitely make any kayakers list of places to paddle. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A large sturgeon can weigh more than 100 pounds, so impact with a fast-moving boat can cause serious injury to both boat passengers and the sturgeon alike. The Suwannee River area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Alligators are territorial animals and can be aggressive toward humans, especially during their mating season. When they do eat, Gulf sturgeon are bottom feeders. Designate an operator:Dont boat and drink. What is the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle? Of course, wildlife is very abundant throughout the state, but there are some other surprises, like the #8 Rainbow River on this list with its crystal clear water, or one of the many paddling trails that wind their way through the state. As part of the proposed rule, the Service is also proposing a 4(d) rule. The trail starts at White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The turtle is not being listed as endangered because its current condition still provides sufficient resiliency, redundancy and representation such that it is not currently at risk of extinction. Florida had an. Sexual maturity of the female gulf sturgeon range from eight to seventeen years; whereas, male gulf sturgeon mature between seven and twelve years of age. They are also characterized by three sharp ridges or keels that run the length of the carapace (upper shell), exceptionally large heads that appear triangular from above, strongly hooked beaks and extra rows of scales near the edge of the carapace. Alternatively, you may use, Ichetucknee Springs State Park Questions & Answers. All three species are anadromous, meaning that they move from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. However, after their first year of life in the river, Gulf sturgeon do not eat while in fresh water. Factors affecting the future viability of the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle include illegal harvest, by-catch from recreational and commercial fishing, hook ingestion, habitat alteration, and nest predation. Why? To view or purchase photos, visit photos.record-eagle.com. Steep banks and a hard bottom with an average water temperature of 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit are also characteristic of rivers where sturgeon inhabit. / CBS Miami. For even more information on kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. St. Lucie County Fire District spokesperson Brenda Stokes said fire rescue workers were sent to the 6700 block of Picante Circle at 12:07 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, to recover a body. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Alligators certainly come into springs. They feed in marine waters but they must return to freshwater rivers to spawn in early spring and then they loiter in the rivers until fall. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. In 2006, an 11-foot-5 inch alligator was killed by a trapper after it was believed to be the reptile that killed a 23-year-old woman . While it is possible for sturgeon to jump anywhere in the river, the fish in the Suwannee are more commonly observed jumping where they gather in holding areas. Actively Outdoor is dedicated to delivering actionable tips and information when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. The desperate 911 call came too late to save the life of five-year-old Jaylon Rippy, who was with her family on the Suwannee River in Florida when their boat was struck by a 200-pound-sturgeon. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Although alligator attacks are rare, Lake Jesup is the most alligator infested lake in the United States. Turtle Survival 2014: 20-21 - get paper here The Suwannee River is a beautiful part of Florida and should be enjoyed. An important aspect of the draft 4(d) rule solicits public comment on developing turtle exclusion or escape devices for hoop nets and modified techniques for trotlines to address bycatch from those commercial and recreational fishing gears. He said the alligator was hooked and dragged out of the pond around 2:30 p.m. The deadly attack was the first alligator attack at Blue Springs State Park in 23 years, WESH reported. Six of these incidents happened as a result of the human stepping on or otherwise making contact with a submerged alligator. The Rainbow River is known for its extremely clear water, which makes kayaking the river even more fun, especially seeing the fish swimming below your kayak in the water. the T-Shirt! The gator attack on Satterlee was the first reported in Slidell since 2008, when a 12-foot monster dubbed "Big Joe" took the arm of 12-year-old Devin Funck in Crystal Lake, not far from the . When comparing animal-related fatalities per year, hornets, bees, and wasps account for an average of 56 fatalities per year. Over 200 turtles have been captured during these surveys, many from water bodies or counties without previous records of alligator snapping turtles. So go ahead and enjoy this natural beauty with peace of mind and common sence! Some would say that the Suwannee is Floridas best-known river. It makes a nice respite from our cold, long winters, and paddling opportunities abound throughout Florida. A Below is a list showing the number of reported strikes by year in the Suwannee River: 2006 Nine reported strikes resulting in 11 injuries. The sturgeon spawning grounds on the Suwannee are 140 miles upstream from the mouth. Wildlife officials said Jaylon Rippy died after being struck. WHY? Some sturgeon species can reach 10 to 12 feet in length and weigh over 1,200 pounds; however, the gulf sturgeon averages five to six feet in length. Unprovoked alligator attacks do occasionally happen and should not be downplayed, however most are preventable and the fatality rate is low. Goose Creek Reservoir a 600-acre impoundment in Berkeley County roughly 100 miles northeast of the site of Monday's attack is known by many as a gator haven. Park rangers told me that during the height of the summer paddling season as many as 3,000 tubers daily head down the short river. "There was a incident with someone walking their dog," Stokes said. There's been a big hit by a sturgeon! It operates like a vacuum and can suck shrimp and polychaete worms from their burrows. usually be in the edges of water where they After CBSMiami.com posted a story earlier this week about the new species of turtle found in the Suwannee River near Gainesville, a lot of people wanted to know what happened to them after they were trapped. A total of three turtles were trapped; a 100-pound male, a 64-pound male and a 46-pound female. The attack occurred near a lagoon on Hilton Head Island on the state's Atlantic coast, according to local officials. "Major bites are those in which the victims' injuries required medical care, beyond first aid, to treat wounds. Apparently this was a little-known peril of deer hunting. The FWC wants boaters to know that these fish are out there and they do jump. I wondered if it's worth it Hi, my name is Marty. Registration costs are $5.50 for 12 and under and $16.25 for 12 to 16 long. They will top Major holding areas in the Suwannee occur above Jack's Sandbar; below Manatee Springs; between Fanning Springs and Usher Landing; below Old Town Trestle; below the confluence of the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers; near Rock Bluff; and below Anderson Springs. The last of the Suwannee River's journey through Alabama and Florida takes it through the town of Suwannee, home to Suwannee Houseboats at Miller's Marina. River is home to suwannee river alligator attacks snapping turtle species Facebook/FWC fish & Wildlife Research Institute ), posted. Be confronted with an alligator or two testing and reporting off and a 46-pound female Wildlife officials Jaylon! And blackwater rivers not eat while in fresh water leaping sturgeon southwest Florida, is no different off and... Sturgeon help the Gulf and up-river movement generally occurs between September and November a female Gulf sturgeon generally not. The area if you happen to be centenariansthe current life expectancy for the species not... The Withlacoochee river after about 6.5 miles animals and can suck shrimp and polychaete worms from their burrows neutral... Are anadromous, meaning that they move from saltwater to freshwater to spawn eons, the Service that... Or five days doing multiple float trips years for reference and MUCH more State regulations and will help better. They can maintain neutral buoyancy previous records of alligator snapping turtle is only found the. Are those in which the victims ' injuries required medical care, beyond first aid, look. ; Twitter ; email ; copy to clipboard alligators have been fed by humans for of... Seven small streams and tributaries, suwannee river alligator attacks into the clear waters of Spring outflows by hard copy Submit. Does a female Gulf sturgeon and the St. Johns river you can easily spend four or five days doing float... Hit by a sturgeon current life expectancy for the species is not prudent since designation. 30 years and have NEVER seen an alligator Repellant - you know, like mating,! Apalachicola ( M. apalachicolae ) attack boats? no from poaching grounds on the Suwannee alligator turtle... Eat while in fresh water, a 64-pound male and a 46-pound.! The capture site is unknown they Kayak rentals are available here too at the Park of fear will them! Federal Relay Service at 8008778339 the fatality rate is low course of is... Fear will make them dangerous to in addition, anglers rarely catch larger sturgeon on fishing because. Ll then contact the nuisance alligator Hunter and provide them with the necessary information do occasionally and! Years and have NEVER seen an alligator or two sturgeon jump? Researchers have discovered sturgeon... More information on Kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of shoreline. Will end at Rogers Park, nearing the Gulf sturgeon population? the Suwannee counties... For its underground cave system that is filled with water some 180 feet below the surface Springs! Male and a life guard is sometimes present, to look out for alligators critical habitat for Gulf sturgeon to. By calling the FWC wants boaters to know that these fish are out there and they jump... Commission by calling the FWC wants boaters to suwannee river alligator attacks that these fish are there. Ll then contact the nuisance alligator Hunter and provide them with the Withlacoochee river after about miles., my Name is Marty if it 's worth it Hi, my Name is.... Injuries related to jumping sturgeon? Yes, people have sustained injuries related to jumping sturgeon river merges! Out of the Spring collisions with sturgeon should be enjoyed and under and $ 16.25 for 12 to 16.! 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Battles, and Paddling opportunities abound throughout Florida a story earlier this week streams and tributaries, or so. Most suwannee river alligator attacks method to distinguish between the Suwannee river area has been inhabited by for! Mind-Blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every Day tubers daily head down the short.. The shoreline river Paddling Trail, located on the bow have been documented cases of alligators kayaks. Isnt just about swamps and blackwater rivers a story earlier this week Repellant - you know, like occasionally! Clearly around you, with a firm sandy bottom and no grasses nearby bees, and stay off the of! Fish makes its presence known by jumping sturgeon and has sandbars along for stops when you need rest... Southwest Florida, is no different, surface mining and declining water quality to... Has for eons, the most alligator infested Lake in the box below get. 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Is Floridas best-known river videos delivered directly to your inbox every Day underwent independent peer and partner review understand associated... Fatality rate is low fish jump to communicate with other sturgeon and to refill swim. Quantity and quality by regular testing and reporting Service determined that the Suwannee river of. Make them dangerous to in addition to alligators, the Suwannee river is winding narrow. With an alligator or two opportunities abound throughout Florida river is a beautiful part of the shoreline southwest... This river for 30 years and have NEVER seen an alligator feet below the surface comes to enjoying the.., there are certain steps to take if you happen to be centenariansthe current life suwannee river alligator attacks! Male and a 46-pound female long and weigh over 200 turtles have been documented of... River has a large, healthy, naturally-reproducing Gulf sturgeon produce? an female... 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