The sturgeon was close to 300, pounds, 8-feet long and around 75-years-old when it was found in a shallow pool.
It was back on Sept. 20 when RCMP First Nations Police officers spotted it in British Columbia’s Fraser River near Wahleach Road.
Working with biologists and conservationists, the group leapt into action to save the endangered species, which dates back to the age of the dinosaurs.
The dramatic rescue was only revealed Tuesday.
“The officers quickly recognized the fish was in danger and could not survive in its environment,” Corporal Mike Rail said in a statement.
A capture and release plan was hatched for the following morning involving Mounties, scientists with the B.C. Ministry of Forest Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, as well as the Lower Fraser River Guardians.
A net and and sling system was employed to get the sturgeon safely away from where it was beached.
It was lifted into the back of a pickup truck, doused with water before being moved.
It was successfully released in a deeper, main part of the river.
“All in a day’s work – just one of the things we do,” Sergeant Gerry Hansom said in a statement. “Strong community ties are important. The rescue was completed with the combined efforts of a number of resources pulling together.”
Sturgeon can live up to 150 years, according to the Fraser River Conservation Society. Sturgeon are pretty much the same today as they were 65 million years ago.
These fish are true survivors.
Photo RCMP/YouTube
