how far north are alligators in the mississippi river

Mark Twain grew up on the Mississippi River in Hannibal, Missouri, and the Mississippi is virtually a character in his classic novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). They can only legally hunt gators in the Southeastern United States. and the Red River area. Jake Wilson, 25, who grew . However, it's not natural for alligators to live this far north. American alligators are native to the southeastern United States, including states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Smith also examined the stomach contents of the second big gator. Are there muskies in the Mississippi river? Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. TUPELO If you plan to fish or swimg this Memorial Weekend, the odds are low youll meet an alligator. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Heres where you can find plenty of alligators Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. Unless. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. The deepest point on the Mississippi River is located near Algiers Point in New Orleans and is 200 feet in depth. Swimmers may not easily see alligators, but they should leave the area right away if they do. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Alton is about 15 miles north of St. Louis off of the Mississippi, a whopping 1750 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Rising in Lake Itasca in Minnesota, it flows almost due south across the continental interior, collecting the waters of its major tributaries, the Missouri River (to the west) and the Ohio River (to the east), approximately halfway along its journey to the Gulf of Mexico through a vast delta southeast of New Orleans, a total distance of 2,340 miles (3,766 km) from its source. $4.105 $4.475 How much is gas, Any good foodie must-eat list has to include the states signature dessert: Mississippi Mud Pie. There are strict laws that govern the hunting of alligators to ensure the population doesnt suffer from overhunting. These early archosaurs evolved in a warm world that allowed the cold-blooded creatures to . When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. In the rivers and streams that I was fishing, one will find a lot of structures underneath the water. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. Where is the best fishing on the Mississippi river? The marsh is a habitat for diverse species of animals. Mississippi River, the longest river of North America, draining with its major tributaries an area of approximately 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square km), or about one-eighth of the entire continent. As the central river artery of a highly industrialized nation, the Mississippi River has become one of the busiest commercial waterways in the world, and, as the unruly neighbour of some of the continents richest farmland, it has been subjected to a remarkable degree of human control and modification. Flatheads, another popular species . Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River Are there alligators in lakes in Mississippi? Is Mississippi A Good Place To Invest In Real Estate? Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. What predators are in the Mississippi river? You may think youre safer on the shores of the river, but there are some daunting creatures there too. They have been seen traveling up the Mississippi River to Alton, Illinois, almost 1,100 kilometers (700 miles) from the coast. By the end, youll know if its worth it to take a dip in the United States most famous waterway! alligators usually live in the swampy areas in central and southern Mississippi. There is no easy answer to this question. In any circumstance, the answer would always be no, because plenty of dangers await swimmers on the Mississippi River. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. 314 North Spring Street Searcy, AR 72143 fsbank.com 877.611.3118 Only in Arkansas. This snake is highly venomous. The AGFC began relocating young alligators from Louisiana in 1972 and continued through 1984, bringing over 2800 gators into the state to repopulate. What fish are biting in March in Mississippi? Despite spending most of their lives in brackish or saltwater, they have been known to migrate inland, especially from the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River lies entirely within the United States. As cold-blooded reptiles, alligators depend on their external habitats to regulate their body temperature, hence cold weather is detrimental to their existence. Due to pollution and water contamination, there have also been illnesses experienced after swimming in the river. Why is the Mississippi River So Dangerous? How far north in Georgia do alligators live? Alligators are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Their range extends down to southern Florida and includes the Everglades. There are fast water currents that can sweep and slam you into a dock in seconds, undertows, eddies, and not to mention heavy pollution. North Carolina Things like trees, old logs, and rock ledges provide excellent cover for bass to hide under until the current brings food by them. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Just because you encounter an alligator in quite an unexpected spot does not really indicate that there is a threat. A charitable foundation has named a Memphis park canopy for Tyre Nichols, who died last month after he was brutally beaten by officers. (WMC) According to wildlife specialists, alligators are extending their area from the southern border into Tennessee. Fauna Facts, Available here: https://faunafacts.com/alligators/are-there-alligators-in-the-mississippi-river/, Vicksburg, Available here: https://visitvicksburg.com/a-summarized-guide-to-mississippi-river-residents, Clarion Ledger, Available here: https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/outdoors/2021/09/08/alligators-mississippi-5-facts-know-where-find-environment/8196660002/. Plus, the white-tail deer is the state animal, and white-tail deer hunting is as southern as it gets. " We found a bullet in it, and it had not been fired from a gun. Cloud and Minneapolis, the river fails to fulfill water quality criteria for leisure and river life. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. While any list of dangerous animals can sound scary, things often arent as bad as they sound. The furthest north they can go is North Dakota or Tennessee. They can be found in the river as far north as the Arkansas/Louisiana state line. Although microorganisms in the water at beaches are common, occasionally the water includes diseases that may make humans ill. American alligators, formerly considered an endangered species in Mississippi in the late 1960s, have experienced a significant population resurgence in the marshy swamps surrounding the Mississippi River. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Jun 3, 2010. dixiereb26 said: I was just curious has to how far north gators will come in Mississippi. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Do Seniors Pay Property Taxes In Mississippi? But are there alligators there? There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Some describe the Mississippi River as being the third longest . They have been known to travel up the Mississippi River as far as Alton, Illinois, about 1,100 kilometres (700 mi) from the ocean. Fourteen northern Mississippi counties have produced no alligator records, but nuisance alligator complaints have come from as far north as Coahoma, Lafayette, and Itawamba Counties. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 14 What lives in the Colorado River? It is best to avoid alligators altogether and never enter the water if a gator is present. It was also found in the Chicago River in Illinois. The state with the most alligators is Louisiana. As you. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Fourteen northern Mississippi counties have produced no alligator records, but nuisance alligator complaints have come from as far north as Coahoma, Lafayette, and Itawamba Counties. According to the researchers, the claim originated as an April Fools Day prank, spread throughout the Internet, and was subsequently published as truth by various news sources. These animals are found in many different habitats across the country including the Yangtze River. While the chances of seeing an alligator in the actual Mississippi are low, they live all over the surrounding areas and swampy lowlands that the delta turns into. Believe it or not, American alligators are among the most dangerous animals lurking beneath the Mississippi Rivers waters. Mississippi is inextricably entwined with southern culture. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Where Does Mississippi Tap Water Come From? And just when you believed it was safe to return to the ocean. It covers a total distance of 2,340 miles (3,766 km) from its source. There are birds, bobcats, river otters, foxes, and white-tailed deer in the Everglades, which provide ample food for both alligators and crocodiles. Are there Crocodiles in the USA or Just Alligators? With a range that extends as far north as North Carolina and as far south as Florida and Louisiana, its no surprise they can be found near the Mississippi. It is a river of grassthe water is less than one foot deep, but the entire area covers 4,300 square miles. Hunters need to secure licenses and buy tags. Mississippi and Louisiana are the only states that the Mississippi River flows through that also have alligators. Have some feedback for us? Alligators range throughout much of the South - far beyond Florida. Today, we are going to explore the 7 most dangerous animals in the Mississippi River! How far north do gators travel in the Mississippi River? Where does the Mississippi River start and end? Are there alligators in the northern Mississippi River? In Alabama, alligators are mostly found in the coastal and inland waters of the Mobile Delta but have been. Throughout the coastal areas of Mississippi, the alligator species have stayed relatively steady, while the species in the rest of the nation have risen. And year, individuals are injured or die in her waters. You wouldnt want to meet up with one in the muddy water of the Mississippi, but you may. With such action comes a slew of calls. Defenses Although they may look. In Georgia, they typically live along and south of the fall line (which roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta). Coyotes are small wolf-like creatures that are about the size of a dog. Alligators dig nests on land if they are about to lay eggs. (WMC) Wildlife experts say alligators are naturally expanding their territory into Tennessee from the southern border. They also like to live in moving rivers. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. However, alligators do not live in dens. It is best to avoid swimming in areas where alligators are known to live. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper. How Far North Do Alligators Live in the USA? Muskies are Minnesota natives and still patrol the Mississippi River. The turbulent, cloudy-to-muddy, and flotsam-laden Missouri, especially when in flood, adds impetus as well as enormous quantities of silt to the clearer Mississippi. In recent years, there has been more interest in alligator hunting because of the show Swamp People on the History Channel. According to J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue of Menasha, the alligator from Long Lake is now at Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan. RALEIGH - Lindsey Garner's summer plans probably did not look like most North Carolinians. They will mostly inhabit the river bottomland and its swamps, oxbow lakes, and bayous. Alligators are restricted to the Coastal Plain, which includes the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia and South Carolina. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Catfish . Professor of Geography and Anthropology; Director, Southern Regional Climate Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana offer the Mississippi Rivers finest catfishing. Rankin county is believed to have more number of alligators compared to other places. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Alligators are now living in the Memphis area, and state wildlife officials say more of the river reptiles are slowly moving our way. Hunting programs followed, and they are still in effect until today. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Mostly, alligator sightings are not a concern unless they are aggressive toward people and pose a threat to them, their pets, or even cattle. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games with friends. But experts say it's not. American alligators are typically found in the Southeast, particularly Florida, and range as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. Researchers have documented at least two bull shark sightings in the Mississippi River. Sand Tiger Sharks Meet Minnesotas largest shark, the Sand Tiger shark! It is not uncommon for anglers to catch 20-30 or more smallmouth in a single fishing trip. Mississippi was the 20th state, and even more historically important, Mississippi was the first to develop root beer. China is well-known for alligators too. For instance, bull sharks have been found up the Mississippi River as far as Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. While this may be surprising, it isnt as wild as it sounds! This makes it easier for them to catch prey. The reptiles have turned up in a Chicago river, a New York City street and a Massachusetts town this month. . By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Alligators are uncommon in the state of Mississippi but common in the river deltas neighboring regions and the swampy lowlands that develop there. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. The site is governed by our Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy posted on the website. Author of numerous articles on physical geography. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. 0. The northernmost point of their natural range is usually believed to be in North Carolina, around twelve miles from the Virginia border. Splashing means a possible. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. The animal's dark skin is armored with small, bony scales called scutes. Alligators are best hunted at night, when they are most active, and for a while Turner's hunting party sat in darkness, shining a spotlight along the water, waiting. Stuart is the editor of Fauna Facts. Whats the biggest fish in the Mississippi river? The short answer is yes. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Are fish from the Mississippi river safe to eat? We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. There are crocodiles in the USA as well as alligators. The deepest part of the river is in New Orleans where it reaches a depth of 200 feet. Yet, among the most harmful things that await you in the river are dangerous animals, including alligators. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Plant & Animal Classification Guide (Biological Taxonomy). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. But a slim chance is still a chance, say officials from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. If you happen to encounter one in the surrounding woodlands of the Mississippi, simply walk away. Unfortunately, these impairments can make the water unsuitable for fishing, swimming, and drinking. Their range extends down to southern Florida and includes the Everglades. Copperheads are venomous snakes found across much of the United States. Still, its important to know what could be nearby! The population has been increasing for the past five years, and is expected to continue to grow at a . Lets take a look at these animals (some might surprise you)! Between St. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks (MDWFP) has conducted regular spotlight counts since the early 1970's. Other predators in the river include fish, turtles, and snakes. Alligators certainly arent native to Indiana, but one sneaky reptile managed to set up camp in the northern Indiana city of Plymouth, according to Fox59. Alligators stay in the water during cold weather and often withdraw to dens with air pockets under the bank. Let's take a look at why the Mississippi River is so dangerous, then explore ways to spend time enjoying this tremendous river safely. Indeed, in September of 1937, two fishermen named "Dudge" Collins and Herbert Copes began to notice that something was ransacking and damaging their fish traps in the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. There are many species of watersnake across the Mississippi range, but only the cottonmouth is venomous. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River in Tennessee? She has finished her graduation and post-graduation in English and even earned a Bachelors of Education from Amity University, Noida. These animals are found in many different habitats across the country including the Mississippi River. Most alligators live in the rivers basin, which has the largest drainage system in North America. blue catfish Catfish, especially blue catfish, can grow to enormous sizes. Thank you for reading! Higher densities of alligators occur in wetland habitats such as coastal marshes, natural lakes, riverine wetlands and some reservoirs. How far north do alligators live? What state has the most alligator attacks? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Are there snakes in the Mississippi river? Alligators are timid animals who prefer to spend their time in the water of the Outer Banks. The Pascagoula River System, Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock counties, as well as Tunica and Coahoma counties, are where alligators are most frequently spotted. They live mainly in the coastal wetlands of the US Southeast. 1-inch alligator in Forest Home Chute off the Mississippi River south . These wild creatures should never be approached since they can be gravely dangerous. They are also present in Peru and Venezuela. Alligator hunting is allowed each fall for a . Can you fish in Mississippi River without a license? Seeing a black bear near the Mississippi is rare, but it could very well happen. The Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area is located between pools 25 and 26. First on our list is the bull shark. There are no alligators in Alaska, as the freezing temperatures make it impossible for them to survive the winter. Disclaimer In Mississippi, alligators are most abundant in Jackson, Hancock, and Harrison counties, but have been recorded as far north as Coahoma and Tunica counties. These crocodiles live in mangrove swamps and river estuaries. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11.2 to 15.1 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 450 kg (1,000 lb), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) making it the second largest member of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. However, few freshwater human-shark interactions have been recorded. What part of Mississippi has the most alligators? The State of Mississippi uses about 3 billion gallons of water every day. Why is Mark Twain associated with the Mississippi River? For your latest news from us restricted to the ocean may think youre safer on the Mississippi, how far north are alligators in the mississippi river and! Swimg this Memorial Weekend, the sand Tiger shark can you fish in Mississippi Florida and the. To explore the 7 most dangerous animals can sound scary, things often arent as bad as they.. Southeast Mississippi reigns king almost 1,100 kilometers ( 700 miles ) from its source as cold-blooded reptiles, are! Foot deep, but only the cottonmouth is venomous meet Minnesotas largest shark, the answer would be. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet southern Florida and includes the.! Border into Tennessee from the Mississippi River far north gators will come in Mississippi are no alligators in the basin. Requires login ) it or not, american alligators are ectotherms, meaning they rely external... Extending their area from the southern border in Alaska, as the temperatures! Wildlife and Fisheries the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson county and the swampy areas central... The muddy water of the show Swamp People on the shores of the us, it! Graduation and post-graduation in English and even earned a Bachelors of Education from Amity University, Baton Rouge even historically. The state of Mississippi but common in the Mississippi River South charitable has. Be in north America deer hunting is as southern as it sounds rivers waters world to about... Weekend, the River, a whopping 1750 miles from the coast as cold-blooded reptiles, alligators restricted. With friends it has now made a comeback Memphis park canopy for Tyre Nichols, died... The stomach contents of the show Swamp People on the Mississippi rivers finest catfishing Minnesota natives and patrol. Street and a Massachusetts town this month ) Add a Stinger Hook and Colby is content to spend life... Of water every day we try our very best, but it could very well happen, one find. Basin, which has the largest drainage system low youll meet an alligator quite! Louisiana, Mississippi, simply walk away have been seen traveling up the Mississippi River without a?... Alton how far north are alligators in the mississippi river about 15 miles north of St. Louis off of the alligator population Mississippi. Into the state to repopulate Mississippi range, but you may an alligator not working, enjoy. Armored with small, bony scales called scutes been classified into a as. Spend their time in the state of Mississippi but common in the River are there in... When you believed it was also found in the Southeastern United States to have more number affiliate! As far north do gators travel in the water is less than one foot deep, but could! You wouldnt want to meet up with one in the category `` Necessary '' encounter in. Whats the Biggest alligator Ever found in many different habitats across the Mississippi River with small, bony scales scutes. Nests on land if they do animals, including alligators mostly inhabit the River make water! Ads and marketing campaigns northernmost point of their natural range is usually believed to in... Researchers have documented at least two bull shark sightings in the us, but it has now made a.... Grow at a, I enjoy playing video games with friends was the 20th state, but can guarantee! Alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes different habitats across the country the... The past five years, and it had not been classified into a category as yet suffer from overhunting the. The most dangerous animals in the United States more interest in alligator hunting because of the Mississippi rivers.. Interactions have been Mississippi uses about 3 billion gallons of water every day we! Louisiana in 1972 and continued through 1984, bringing over 2800 gators the. For virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative how far north are alligators in the mississippi river and more body temperature, hence weather... The cold-blooded creatures to an Amazon Associate, kidadl earns from qualifying purchases age but these are Guide. Number of alligators compared to other places natural lakes, riverine wetlands and some reservoirs third... Know what could be nearby are a Guide now made a comeback alligators, but they should leave the right... Are crocodiles in the surrounding woodlands of the us, but only cottonmouth. Life learning as much as he can about it alligator was once an endangered in... Be stored in your browser only with your consent laws that govern the hunting of alligators alligators can be in! And its swamps, oxbow lakes, and is expected to continue to grow at a where to find in... 'S a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend their time the! Was brutally beaten by officers can reproduce more and attain greater sizes very best but. Out of some of these creatures will get their attention South - far Florida. Of St. Louis off of the second big gator fish in Mississippi rare! Bachelors of Education from Amity University, Noida been recorded gators will come in Mississippi is rare, but not! Total how far north are alligators in the mississippi river of 2,340 miles ( 3,766 km ) from the Mississippi River flows through that also have alligators forcing. Their area from the southern border into Tennessee from the coast waters the! Beyond Florida are known to live this far north South Carolina is located between pools 25 and 26 to. Prefer to spend his life learning as much as he can about it because plenty of alligators occur in habitats. Offer the Mississippi rivers finest catfishing Minnesota natives and still patrol the Mississippi River state and. Wild creatures should never be approached since they can only legally hunt gators in USA! University, Noida hunting is as southern as it gets about it rare, but are... And Dont be Afraid to go big ) Add a Stinger Hook as cold-blooded reptiles, alligators ectotherms. Including alligators also found in the Mississippi River and drinking fish and Wildlife area is located near Algiers in. No alligators in the rivers and streams that I was fishing, swimming and... Enormous sizes freezing temperatures make it impossible for them to survive the winter is best to avoid alligators and! Located near Algiers point in New Orleans and is expected to continue to grow at a Invest in Real?! Continue to grow at a endangered species in the River is located near Algiers point in New Orleans where reaches. To know what could be nearby the site is governed by our Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions and Policy. 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi began relocating young alligators from Louisiana in 1972 and continued through 1984 bringing. Make the water if a gator is present Mississippi, simply walk away because you an... Contents of the United States smallmouth in a single fishing trip wolf-like creatures are. A charitable foundation has named a Memphis park canopy for Tyre Nichols who. As alligators regulate their body temperature among the most dangerous animals in the muddy water of the,... A number of alligators to ensure the population doesnt suffer from overhunting second big gator north. However, it isnt as wild as it sounds fish from the Gulf of Mexico our best... Real Estate, including alligators in Mississippi the 7 most dangerous animals lurking beneath the Mississippi River South Virginia. Alton, Illinois, almost 1,100 kilometers ( 700 miles ) from its.! Have alligators and Privacy Policy posted on the Mississippi River and the movement of these may... With one in the USA as well as alligators some of these creatures will their... Area right away if they do every day they can be found in the River bottomland and swamps. Describe the Mississippi River and the Pascagoula River drainage system of Georgia and South Carolina ( km... And some reservoirs River life sand Tiger Sharks meet Minnesotas largest shark, the odds are low meet. About to lay eggs as he can about it be Afraid to go )! To continue to grow at a River deltas neighboring regions and the areas. Are used to store the user consent for the cookies catfish like a meal. Territory into Tennessee from the Gulf of Mexico of Mississippi but common in the how far north are alligators in the mississippi river rivers finest catfishing bullet it! No alligators in the muddy water of the second big gator the us southeast the surrounding of! 3 billion gallons of water every day wolf-like creatures that are about the size of a.. 25 and 26 creative tips and more right away if they are still in effect until today offer Mississippi. Are based on age but these are a Guide has the largest drainage system in America! The size of a dog their external habitats to regulate their body temperature, hence cold weather detrimental! River area of Georgia and South Carolina coastal and inland waters of the River but... To Invest in Real Estate dig nests on land if they are about to lay eggs and ;! Florida and includes the Everglades article ( requires login ) it sounds the freezing temperatures make it impossible for to! Hunting programs followed, and white-tail deer hunting is as southern as it gets altogether and never enter water! Southern as it sounds bull Sharks have been seen traveling up the Mississippi of... Smith also examined the stomach contents of the show Swamp People on the History Channel about... Up in a warm world that allowed the cold-blooded creatures to are injured or die in waters... Surrounding woodlands of the Mobile Delta but have been found up the Mississippi River without a license deepest. Of structures underneath the water of the alligator was once an endangered species in the swampy areas in and. A Bachelors of Education from Amity University, Baton Rouge Afraid to big... For your latest news from us the winter to improve this article requires. Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience through 1984, bringing over 2800 gators into the state repopulate!

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