|
|
Article
View
|
|
|
|
|
FWC asks boaters to use caution when near manatees
Wildlife workers found a dead manatee in Crystal River on Sunday.
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comission said they pulled the mammal out of Kings Bay on Sunday, and that they believe the manatee was hit by a boat. Although the manatee had wounds from propellers, biologists said they think it was actually the force of the impact that killed the manatee, which suffered broken ribs, punctured lungs and blood clots.
Researchers said they also think there may have been a calf with the manatee, although they have yet to find the baby. They are asking anyone who may have seen the orphaned calf to call the FWC's wildlife alert line at 888-404-3922.
Last week, wildlife workers saved another manatee that had been hit by a boat. The mother and her calf are currently recovering at Lowry Park Zoo.
Tips for protecting manatees
- Abide by posted speed zone signs while boating in waters known to have manatees.
- Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the water's surface. This will help you better see what's beneath the water, including manatees.
- Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas. Try to stay in deep-water channels. Manatees can also be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, lagoons and coastal areas.
- Stay at least 50 feet away from manatees when operating a powerboat.
- Do not waterski over areas where manatees do not live or cannot enter.
- Don't throw monofilament line, hooks or any other litter into the water. Manatees can eat the trash or become entangled in it, which could cause them to become sick, injured or even to die. (in addition, throwing monofilament fishing line into Florida water is against the law.)
Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
|
|
Already voted! | Topic:
|
|
You must be logged in to post a comment.
|
|
