Watch in Awe as Fish Leap Out of the Water in This Maine River
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.
Soaring Sturgeon of the Androscoggin River
There's nothing quite like witnessing an fascinating event in nature. Our example this week comes from the Androscoggin River.
Feast your eyes on flying sturgeon from the banks of the Androscoggin in Topsham.
The video was posted by The Nature Conservancy in Maine, an organization that dedicates its efforts to fighting climate change and bio diversity loss. The organization's Facebook page has quite a bit of info on migratory river fish species here in Maine. This includes linked articles about the work being done here in Maine to help the migratory fish population.
According to mainerivers.org, the shortnose sturgeon can be found in many different rivers in the state. The endangered fish can grow to about 3 feet, weigh close to 10 lbs, and is a standard bottom feeder.
Why do Sturgeon Jump?
So why do they jump? Well, researchers had been wondering and theorizing for decades. Likely reasons are communication-based. However, others include expulsion of air, helping to shed eggs during spawning, hunting prey, or simply just doing it to feel good.
As incredible as it is to see sturgeon flying through the air, it can be quite dangerous to humans. Sadly even ending in death for a 5 year old girl on the Suwannee River in Florida. Experts suggest staying off the bow of a boat if in an active sturgeon area, and to always be on the look out.
While it is great to hopefully see numbers improve for this incredible fish, clearly caution be considered around the soaring sturgeon. The last thing you need a 10 lb. fish to the face. However, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to witness these fish fly in person. It looks like quite the sight.
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