Crystal River has long been known for its manatees who gather in the warm-water springs during the winter.

But there may be another animal benefitting from the river's springs: bull sharks.

The Crystal River Bull Shark Project has researchers from Florida State University fishing the river to determine whether the sharks are using the springs' thermally-regulated water as a nursery, or as a safe haven for baby sharks.

On a recent fishing trip, shark researchers caught 5 baby bull sharks in one day. Once caught, the sharks are tagged, blood and skin samples are taken and their weight and length are measured before being released back into the wild.

The location of the sharks are recorded to determine just how and why they are using the river as a nursery.

Read more at https://tampabay.com/environment
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