Do Sturgeon Attack Humans? The Truth

Do Sturgeon Attack Humans? Sturgeons, with their prehistoric lineage and extraordinary size, have long fascinated humans. These majestic creatures, which have roamed the rivers and lakes for over 200 million years, remain one of the most intriguing species in the fish world.

While they are most well-known for their role in producing caviar, many people often wonder: Do sturgeon attack humans? With their size and occasional breaching behavior, it’s not surprising that some individuals fear these fish. But is the threat real, or is it simply a misunderstanding of their natural behavior?

This comprehensive guide will help clarify everything you need to know about sturgeons, their interactions with humans, and whether they are dangerous or not.

What Are Sturgeon?

Sturgeon are large fish belonging to the family Acipenseridae, one of the oldest fish families in existence. They have been around for over 200 million years, making them true prehistoric fish.

Sturgeons are found in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across several continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are bottom-feeders, meaning they scavenge food from the riverbeds and feed on aquatic plants, small fish, and invertebrates.

Their physical characteristics are unlike those of most modern fish. The sturgeon’s body is covered in scutes, which are bony, armor-like plates, giving them a prehistoric appearance.

They also have barbels (whisker-like appendages) near their mouths, which they use to help detect food at the bottom of the water.

Physical Features of Sturgeons:

• Size: Sturgeons are among the largest fish in the world. Some species, like the Beluga Sturgeon, can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) long and weigh over 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
• Armor-like Scutes: The bony scutes on their sides help protect them from predators.
• Barbels: These sensory appendages are used to detect food at the riverbed, providing the fish with a way to navigate their environment.

Common Sturgeon Species:

• Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus)
• White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
• Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso)
• Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
• Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baikalensis)

Despite their imposing size, sturgeons are not typically considered a threat to humans, and their behavior tends to be more passive than aggressive. So, where does the myth of sturgeon attacks come from?

Are Sturgeon Dangerous to Humans?

One of the most common misconceptions about sturgeons is that they are dangerous to humans. While it’s true that sturgeons are large and can weigh as much as a small car, they do not actively seek out human interaction. In fact, sturgeons are non-aggressive fish that generally prefer to avoid human contact.

Why Do People Think Sturgeon Are Dangerous?

Sturgeons’ size and occasional breaching behavior often lead people to think of them as aggressive. A breaching sturgeon is a sight to behold—these fish can leap several feet out of the water, creating a dramatic and potentially alarming spectacle.

However, this behavior is usually not meant to attack. Instead, breaching is a natural behavior for sturgeons, and it has several purposes:

• To shake off parasites: Just like other animals, sturgeons can experience parasitic infestations, and leaping out of the water may help them rid themselves of unwanted parasites.
• To communicate: During the breeding season, sturgeon may breach to communicate with other fish in the area.
• To avoid predators: In some cases, a leap out of the water can serve as a quick escape tactic when the sturgeon feels threatened.
• To navigate: Some sturgeon species breach as a form of navigation through turbulent waters or to overcome physical obstacles.

While breaching can pose a danger to humans, particularly to boaters or swimmers who may be in the vicinity, it’s important to note that the fish is not intentionally harming anyone.

Natural Behavior of Sturgeon

Sturgeons have a calm and passive demeanor when it comes to human interactions. They are not predators and do not have the inclination to attack humans. Instead, they are bottom-feeders, relying on their sensitive barbels to detect food in the riverbed.

Feeding Habits:

Sturgeons primarily feed on small fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. They use their barbels to sense food in the sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers.

These fish do not actively hunt prey in the same way carnivorous fish do, and their feeding habits rarely bring them into direct contact with humans.

Breeding Season:

During the breeding season, sturgeons may exhibit more active behavior, including breaching. However, this behavior is purely related to reproduction and is not an indication of aggression toward humans.

Avoiding Human Interaction:

In the wild, sturgeons prefer to avoid human activity. They are known to be elusive creatures and are more likely to swim away from boats and swimmers rather than engaging with them.

Accidental Interactions: How Do Sturgeon Incidents Occur?

Most interactions between humans and sturgeons are accidental. Given their size and speed, sturgeons can unintentionally collide with boats or swimmers, leading to potential injuries.

These breaching incidents often result in accidents when boaters are not prepared for the force and unpredictability of a sturgeon leap.

Examples of Accidental Injuries:

• In areas like the Suwannee River and St. Johns River in Florida, sturgeon are known to leap from the water, sometimes landing on boats, causing damage or injuring boaters.
• Swimmers have been struck by sturgeons, leading to cuts or bruises due to the force of the fish’s leap.

Although these incidents can be dangerous, they are rarely life-threatening and are typically the result of unintended interactions rather than malicious behavior by the fish.

Are Sturgeons Endangered?

While sturgeons are not naturally aggressive towards humans, they face significant threats from human activities. Many sturgeon species are classified as endangered or critically endangered due to a variety of factors.

Key Threats to Sturgeon Populations:

• Overfishing: Sturgeon populations have been significantly affected by overfishing, particularly due to the caviar trade. The demand for sturgeon eggs has put a massive strain on their populations.
• Pollution: Water pollution and habitat degradation have also contributed to the decline of sturgeon populations. Contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides harm the fish and their breeding grounds.
• Habitat loss: Dams, river diversions, and other infrastructure projects have led to the destruction of critical sturgeon habitats, making it harder for these fish to breed and thrive.

Sturgeon Conservation Efforts:

Several international and local organizations are working to protect sturgeon species from further decline. Efforts include habitat restoration, breeding programs, and sustainable fishing practices to ensure that sturgeon populations can recover.

Why Do Sturgeon Jump Out of the Water?

One of the most fascinating behaviors exhibited by sturgeons is breaching—the act of leaping out of the water. This behavior can be startling, especially when observed near boats or swimmers, but it is a natural part of the sturgeon’s life.

Purposes of Breaching:

• Parasite removal: Breaching helps sturgeons rid themselves of parasites that cling to their skin.
• Mating behavior: During the breeding season, sturgeons are more likely to breach to communicate with potential mates or other members of their species.
• Evading predators: If a sturgeon feels threatened, breaching may serve as a quick means of escape from potential predators.
• Navigation and obstacle avoidance: In rivers with strong currents or obstacles, breaching may be a way for sturgeons to move more easily or leap over rocks and debris.

Breaching is not a behavior aimed at humans, and it is more likely to cause accidental harm than intentional injury.

Potential Risks to Boaters and Swimmers

Despite the non-aggressive nature of sturgeons, their sheer size and the power behind their jumps can pose risks to boaters and swimmers. In particular, a breaching sturgeon can cause significant damage if it strikes a boat or a person. Here are the most likely risks:

• Boat damage: A sturgeon can weigh over a thousand pounds, and a breach can cause considerable damage to a boat, potentially injuring passengers.
• Injury to swimmers: Swimmers in areas where sturgeon are known to breach may be at risk of injury if they are struck by a large fish.
• Unexpected encounters: Since sturgeons tend to avoid human activity, encounters are usually accidental, and humans typically are in the wrong place at the wrong time when the fish breaches.

Boating Safety Tips:

1. Observe the water: Always be alert when boating in areas where sturgeons are known to inhabit, especially during the breeding season.
2. Slow down: Reduce your speed in known sturgeon habitats to reduce the chances of an accident.
3. Wear safety gear: Ensure everyone on board wears appropriate safety equipment, including helmets and life vests.

Swimming Safety Tips:

1. Stay aware: Keep an eye out for signs of sturgeon breaching. If you’re in an area where breaching is common, stay alert.
2. Keep distance: Don’t swim too close to areas where sturgeons are active. Giving them space can help prevent accidental injury.
3. Avoid the breeding season: Sturgeon are more likely to breach during the breeding season. Avoid swimming in known sturgeon habitats during this time.

Notable Incidents Involving Sturgeon and Humans

While sturgeon-related incidents are relatively rare, there have been notable breaching incidents that caused harm to humans.

These incidents typically involve boat collisions or swimmer injuries due to the powerful jumps of these large fish.

• 2007 Suwannee River Incident: In Florida, a Gulf Sturgeon jumped out of the water and struck a boat, injuring several passengers. The incident highlighted the risks that come with sturgeon breaching in popular boating and swimming areas.
• Mississippi River Breaching: Sturgeon in the Mississippi River have caused damage to boats, with several reported incidents of White Sturgeon leaping into the path of vessels.

These incidents, while startling, are usually the result of accidental interactions between humans and the fish, not deliberate attacks.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Sturgeon-Related Injuries

While the risk of injury from a sturgeon is low, taking precautions can help ensure your safety in sturgeon habitats. Here are some practical tips to avoid sturgeon-related injuries:

1. Stay aware: Whether boating or swimming, always be aware of your surroundings. Look for signs of sturgeon activity, especially in areas where breaching is common.
2. Respect their habitat: Stay within designated boating areas and avoid disrupting sturgeon habitats, particularly during the breeding season.
3. Keep distance: If you spot a sturgeon, give it plenty of space to avoid accidental collisions.
4. Know where to swim: Avoid swimming in areas known for frequent sturgeon breaches, such as the Suwannee River or the Great Lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sturgeon Aggressive Fish?

No, sturgeons are not aggressive towards humans. They are bottom-feeders and prefer avoiding human interaction.

Why Do Sturgeon Jump Out of the Water?

Sturgeon breach for communication, to shake off parasites, or to avoid predators, not to attack.

Have Sturgeon Ever Killed Anyone?

There are no documented cases of sturgeon intentionally killing humans. However, accidental injuries have occurred due to their breaching behavior.

Where Are Sturgeon Encounters Most Likely?

Sturgeon encounters are most likely in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters where these fish are abundant, such as the Mississippi River, Great Lakes, and the Volga River.

What Should You Do If You Encounter a Sturgeon?

If you encounter a sturgeon while boating or swimming, stay calm, keep your distance, and be aware of the fish’s behavior, especially if it is breaching.

Conclusion: Do Sturgeon Attack Humans?

The myth that sturgeons attack humans is simply that a myth. These ancient, massive fish are not predators, and their occasional breaching behavior is not a sign of aggression but a natural part of their existence.

While sturgeons can cause accidental harm due to their size and power, they are not a threat to humans under normal circumstances.

Sturgeons are more likely to avoid human interaction than engage in it. However, respecting their habitat, taking precautions, and understanding their behavior can help ensure a safe encounter with these remarkable fish.

By appreciating their ecological role, contributing to conservation efforts, and staying informed about safe practices, humans and sturgeons can coexist peacefully in the natural world.