Multiple reports suggest there’s a lost manatee in Cape Cod. Wildlife officials are asking the public to keep an eye out for the animal, as it’s far from its home in Florida. If found, officials hope to assess the animal and return it to warmer waters before the fall.
According to media reports, someone first spotted the manatee in Cape Cod on July 26. Shortly after, it was seen again on July 29. There have been several sightings since then around Massachusetts. Now, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to try to track down the animal.
“Manatee sightings in Massachusetts are uncommon; only four have been documented in the past 17 years,” Stacey Hedman, senior director of communications for IFAW wrote in an email to the Cape Cod Times. “We are grateful to members of the public who promptly reported the stranding. Early information is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for any marine mammal.”
On its website, the IFAW describes itself as “a global non-profit organization that protects animals and their habitats.”
Organizations like IFAW often help transport manatees back to their natural habitat.
Manatee Rescues
Earlier this year, there was a similar incident involving a manatee spotted in North Carolina in January, where the water is far too cold for the animal. That manatee became North Carolina’s first-ever manatee rescue. The animal was brought to SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, for recovery before it was released back into the wild.
As the USFWS highlights, manatees are cold-intolerant, meaning they migrate to warmer waters and generally need to stay warm to survive. They prefer the water to be more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the U.S., manatees are found primarily around Florida because of its warm waters. However, summer temperatures can sometimes allow them to swim further north. Also called “sea cows,” they can weigh between 1,000 and 3,500 lbs.