Jumping Sturgeon Knocks Out Florida Teen

Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see just how high sturgeon can jump.

Sharks and alligators might have the corner on Florida’s scary critter market, but Gulf sturgeon are leaping at an opportunity to make themselves known.

Heavyn Nash, 14, of Fanning Springs can attest to that. It seems the teen was out boating with family on Sunday in Manatee Springs State Park when a 6-foot sturgeon jumped into their boat, struck her and knocked her out, WTSP reported. The teen required a trip to the hospital to be checked out.

Nash’s encounter isn’t the only one making headlines this time of year. Another boater had a fish crash into his windshield earlier in May on the Santa Fe River, Fox reported.

The tail end of spring is the time of year when Gulf sturgeon make their annual trek back into nine Florida rivers, including the Suwanee and Santa Fe, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Since these critters are big – very big – and are known to have accidental encounters with humans and boats, officials are warning folks to take care.

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• Watch: Shark Swims Up to Man’s Backyard
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Why issue a warning?

“These fish can grow to 8 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, plus they wear ‘armor,’” the state agency explained on its Facebook page.

Officials stress, however, that sturgeon encounters aren’t intended.

“These collisions aren’t attacks,” the state noted. “The fish are simply doing what they have been doing for millions of years: jumping!”

To help stay safe on the waters as giant sturgeon make their way through, FWC officials say boaters should go slow since that helps reduce the risk of impact while enabling boaters more reaction time if the fish are seen nearby.

“Boaters are encouraged to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water where sturgeon are found – that’s the Suwanee and Santa Fe rivers system and seven Florida Panhandle rivers,” the state added.

Officials ask that sturgeon collisions be reported to 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

While sturgeons can wreak havoc on Florida waters, the critters are protected by both state and federal laws. Gulf sturgeon cannot be harvested.

Sturgeon strikes are so common this time of year, the state has created a warning video for boaters. It also has an awareness page on its website titled, “Living with Sturgeon.”

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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