Manatees return to South Florida's waterways
by Southern Boating 3 Nov 2018 11:59 UTC
Manatees return to South Florida's waterways © Southern Boating
They're baaaaack!
Sunday is the official start of manatee season. This means that slow-speed regulations in South Florida's network of waterways take effect. Manatees can't tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees (much like the other snowbirds that join us around this time of year), which is why the gentle giants swim south from Georgia and North Florida to bask in warm waters near power plants and other sun-soaked areas.
Sadly, 80 manatees have already been killed by ships and boats in Florida this year. Wildlife officials urge anyone operating watercraft to take precautions and watch out for these docile creatures. "Watching these large plant-eating mammals swim slowly through Florida waters, often accompanied by their calves, is a special experience," says Carol Knox, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Boaters following posted speed zones for manatees migrating to warmer waters help conserve this iconic Florida species for future generations."
To read more please go to the original article.