A family from the Pacific Northwest made an unexpected splash on TikTok, revealing a surprising resident in their home pond.
In the viral video, the family starts off enjoying a sunny day, with kids frolicking in the water, until mom Alicia introduces a massive sturgeon gliding beneath the surface.
“We’re not really sure how he ended up here, but he seems to be doing great, so we don’t want to move him,” Alicia shared.
Sturgeons are known for their impressive size and ancient lineage, typically found in rivers and oceans across North America, Europe, and Asia. Some can exceed 18 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds!
The kids are thrilled with their new aquatic buddy, affectionately named Steve the Sturgeon. They even fed him treats and returned the next day just to hang out with him.
Alicia’s video has racked up over a million views and sparked a lively discussion among viewers, who expressed a mix of awe and concern for this ancient creature.
One comment reassured others, stating, “He’s a bottom feeder, so he keeps the pond clean. He won’t harm the kids.” However, someone else recounted a childhood encounter with a sturgeon that left them wary, cautioning, “I was dragged down by one when I was 8!”
Alicia speculated that the sturgeon was likely left in the pond by the previous owners. Many viewers also chimed in with their own sturgeon stories, with one saying, “I have one named Sheldon,” and another mentioning a 32-year-old sturgeon that had lived for decades.
Overall, it seems this family is ready to embrace Steve, their gentle giant, as part of their summer adventures!