OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) warns boaters that they might see a few extra manatees floating around the Florida springs.
The commission says this is because manatees are seeking the warmth of the spring water as the cold Winter season approaches.
“As fall temperatures drop, manatees start making their way to Florida springs, power plant discharge areas, and other warm-water sites to overwinter until temperatures rise again in the spring,” said Michelle Pasawicz, FWC Manatee Management Program Coordinator. “Manatees need access to water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive.”
The FWC warns boaters that manatees can be challenging to see in the water despite their bulky size. It suggests boaters and watercraft operators can better spot manatees by wearing polarized glasses, going slow, and abiding by manatee protection zones.
According to the FWC, the zones require boaters and watercraft users to reduce speed in or avoid certain areas to prevent collisions that can injure or kill manatees. Waterway signs mark these zones, and maps highlighting the zones can be found online.
FWC says boat strikes are a “major” threat to Florida manatees. During this time, FWC law enforcement officers patrolling state waters will inform boaters of the speed zones and are expected to take “appropriate enforcement actions” if they deem necessary.
FWC says it is important to give manatees space as they begin to congregate at these warm-water sites, including the many springs in Ocala. The commission says disturbing manatees at these new sites may cause them to swim out of protected warm-water areas and into life-threatening cold water.
FWC reaffirms that manatees are a protected species and says it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb, or harm them.
The commission says to report any injured, distressed, sick, or dead manatees to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 so trained responders can assist them. FWC cautions people not to physically handle an injured or sick manatee, as it can cause more harm to the animal and potentially themselves.
For more information on FWC manatee conservation efforts, visit their website.