Fwc Fish And Wildlife Research Institute issued the following announcement on Aug. 17.
Give Mating Manatees Their Space!
Manatee mating herds may be seen in shallow, nearshore Florida waters during the summer months. Mating herds are comprised of a female followed by a group of male manatees which sometimes remain together for days or weeks. If you encounter a herd, it's important to watch from a distance as these large, strong animals are focused on mating. Bystanders that get too close could be seriously injured. In most cases the manatees are not stranded, injured or distressed, and the public should not try to approach or assist the animals in any way.
If you see a mating herd or observe an injured or dead manatee, please call our FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922
Support manatee rescue and conservation efforts by purchasing a manatee plate: MyFWC.com/research/manatee/trust-fund/license-plate/
Original source can be found here.
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