But the longevity of the sturgeon in the Kootenai River is waning: It hasn't reproduced in real numbers in at least 30 years due to habitat change caused by Libby Dam, which shut its gates in 1975.

Chuck Cathcart / Idaho Public Television On the northern panhandle of Idaho, the Kootenai River’s endangered white sturgeon are getting help from scientists who are “listening” to the river.