The mammal is native to Florida but can be seen from Texas as far north as Rhode Island. McDerby noted that propeller strikes are the main cause of manatee deaths and boaters should be careful around the friendly animal.
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The docile “sea cow”, is normally found in the warm waters of Florida and is a rare sight so far north.
Manatee Spotted in DE Marina Delaware wildlife officials are warning boaters to keep a lookout for a manatee that was spotted in a local marina. John McDerby with DNREC Fish and Wildlife police said the 7-foot-long animal hasn’t been seen again, and is hopefully on its way back home to Florida.
News outlets had reported a manatee in the Chesapeake Bay earlier in the week. “Officials say they are not sure if each sighting is of the same manatee, or if there are several of them in the area”.
“While most manatees do not venture as far north as Maryland, the sighting is not without precedent”.
“It’s something you don’t see every day”, McDerby said with a laugh, adding that even he stopped by the marina to check out the manatee.
Those traveling on the Delaware River and Delaware Bay should also keep an eye out for the manatee, as it may continue its journey throughout nearby waters, he added.
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There has been some speculation that the animal in Delaware is Chessie, a famous manatee that visits the region from time to time.
