Michelle Buziak

Pen & Ink, Scratchboard This endangered species is native to the great lakes region and can grow up to 7 feet long. Their unique snout shape allows for them to effectively hunt for small animals living under the surface of the lake or river bed. The juveniles begin life covered in protective scoots that eventually become separated by smooth skin as they grow into adults, causing a drastic change in appearance as they mature. They share waterways with the shovel-nosed sturgeon and the pallid sturgeon (also endangered). Lake sturgeon can be keyed by the smooth, equal-sized barbells (whiskers), lips with two lobes, and a rounded snout.