Public Asked to be on the Lookout for Manatee

PHOTO COURTESY: Thomas Telesmanick

YARMOUTH – Marine mammal experts are asking the public for help in tracking the manatee that has been seen in local waters over the past several weeks.

Concern is growing that the manatee won’t head south before the waters around Cape Cod become too cold.

The animal is used to much warmer waters around Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Kerry Branon with the International Fund for Animal Welfare said the manatee was last seen this past weekend in the Cotuit area.

She said they will undertake a rescue operation if the animal does not head south. This would include bringing it to a local aquarium for initial rehabilitation, then transporting it to Florida, likely by airplane.

“The temperatures are dropping and warmer water is better, so we really do want to get the manatee down south sooner rather than later,” Branon said.

Anybody who spots the creature is asked to call (508) 743-9548. Branon said she advises anyone in watercraft not to approach the manatee.