What to do if you find a dead manatee in Florida?

What to do if you find a dead manatee in Florida?

Call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Toll-Free Number: 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922), press “7” to speak with an operator. FWC responds to reports to the Wildlife Alert Hotline from the public concerning dead manatees in Florida waters.

What kills manatees in Florida?

In Southwest Florida, a leading cause of death for manatees is red tide. “We’ve had more than three hundred manatees die in a year from red tide.

Why are the manatees starving in Florida?

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — More than 55 tons of lettuce have been fed to starving Florida manatees as part of an experimental program to help the slow-moving marine mammals since their natural food is being destroyed by water pollution, wildlife officials said Wednesday.

How many manatees are there in Florida 2021?

There are only about 6,000 manatees in all of Florida, the nonprofit organization Save the Manatee previously told CBS News.

What do they do with dead manatees?

Normally, when the agency is notified of carcasses, it sends staff to investigate. Once on-site, officials decide whether to take the whole carcasses to their research lab or just tissue samples, leaving the body behind. In a normal year, the agency leaves about 6 percent of manatee carcasses to decay in place.

What should you do if you see a dead or distressed manatee?

If you see a dead or distressed manatee, or one that is being harassed, report violations online or call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Cellphone users can also call *FWC or #FWC or send an email to [email protected]. A law enforcement officer will assist with the rescue or recovery and provide the appropriate follow-through.

Do alligators eat manatees?

Actually, while alligators may bite the satellite tags attached to manatees and occasionally prey on manatee calves, they don’t ordinarily bother manatees. Attacks by alligators are very rare, and boat strikes still remain the prime cause of death among adult manatees.

What eats a manatee?

Manatees don’t really have any real predators. Sharks or killer whales or alligators or crocodiles could eat them, but since they don’t usually inhabit the same waters, this is pretty rare. Their biggest threat is from humans. And because of this, all manatee species are endangered and threatened.

How long does a manatee live?

Manatees reach sexual maturity in 3-5 years (females) and 5-7 years (males) and may live over 65 years in captivity. Gestation is approximately 13 months and usually one calf is born. The calf may stay with its mother (cow) for up to 2 years.

Can manatees be saved?

You can help protect manatees in many ways. Report injured, orphaned, entangled, distressed or dead manatees to the FWC. Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Early reporting sets the rescue team in motion so that the animal(s) can be saved.

Are manatees protected in Florida?

Florida manatees were first protected through Florida State Law in 1893. Manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act (§379.2431(2), Florida Statutes) and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

What is the maximum penalty for killing a manatee in Florida?

Manatees and the law The zones are located where manatees live or travel regularly or seasonally. Anyone convicted of violating state law faces maximum fines of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 60 days. Conviction for violating federal protection laws is punishable by fines up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison.