Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
On Tuesday, March 28, Florida River Wildlife Management (FRWM) reported what seems to be some sort of freshwater sea monster in the Suwannee River. Images provided by SRWN depict what the department called a “strange thing” swimming in the Suwannee River near Hamilton County.
FRWM employee Dr. April Fules is credited for discovering the creature.
“It’s really wacky. I was watching the footage and I was like, ‘What the heck is that?’ Then, I checked out the area she was spotted in and, oh my goodness, I’ve never seen anything like it. She’s like one of those sea monsters you read about in story books,” Dr. Fules stated.
FRWM immediately reported the sighting to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), which allegedly stated to leave the creature where it was found, as it is native to the area.
The creature has been dubbed “Susan of the Suwannee,” named after Dr. Fules's mother. She is roughly 13 feet long and somewhat friendly. She has only attacked seven FRWM employees, and outside of those incidents, she is relatively peaceful.
First, Susan was believed to be an elephant seal that somehow found its way from the ocean to the Suwannee River. Investigators theorize that it is some type of forgotten prehistoric fish.
If you plan on taking a trip down the Suwannee River, don't be surprised if you see Susan of the Suwannee. If you happen to catch a glimpse of her, email your experience and photos to reporter1@riverbendnews.org, or message Riverbend News on Facebook.
HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!
- The Riverbend News Team