Sturgeon River (Little Fork River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sturgeon River |
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The Sturgeon River in French Township
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Minnesota |
| River mouth | Little Fork River 47°53′1″N 93°1′47″W / 47.88361°N 93.02972°W |
The Sturgeon River is a river in Minnesota, United States. It flows through Saint Louis County. This river is special because of the fish that gave it its name!
Contents
Discover the Sturgeon River in Minnesota
The River's Journey Through Minnesota
The Sturgeon River is located in the northern part of Minnesota. It flows through two areas called Sturgeon Township and French Township. These townships are found north of the towns of Chisholm and Hibbing.
The river is a "tributary" of the Little Fork River. This means the Sturgeon River flows into the Little Fork River, adding its water to the larger river. Think of it like a smaller road joining a bigger highway.
Why Is It Called "Sturgeon River"?
The river got its name from a very interesting fish: the rock sturgeon. Long ago, these large fish were common in the river. People named the river after them because they were such a noticeable part of the river's wildlife.
About the Rock Sturgeon Fish
Rock sturgeon are a type of fish that can grow very large. They have a unique look, with a long body and bony plates instead of scales. These fish can live for many years, sometimes even over 100! They are often called "living fossils" because their ancestors have been around for millions of years.
Sturgeon usually live at the bottom of rivers and lakes. They use their special mouths to suck up small creatures and plants from the riverbed. Finding sturgeon in a river is a good sign that the water is healthy and clean.
Protecting the River and Its Fish
Rivers like the Sturgeon River are important for many reasons. They provide homes for fish and other animals. They also offer places for people to enjoy nature, like fishing or boating. Protecting these natural areas helps keep our environment healthy for everyone.
Efforts are often made to help fish populations, like the sturgeon, grow stronger. This might include making sure the water stays clean and protecting the places where fish lay their eggs.
