352todayAlan Youngblood/352todayA female manatee watches the Silver Springs Professional Dive Team perform their monthly cleaning in the main spring at Silver River State Park Sunday January 27, 2025, in Silver Springs, FL.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As spring brings warmer waters to Florida, families planning to kayak, paddleboard, or boat in areas like the Silver River or Three Sisters Springs are reminded to be extra cautious – the manatees are on the move.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking you to “go slow & look out below,” while enjoying local waterways as manatees begin leaving their cozy winter habitats in springs and power plant discharges. With water temps rising above 68°F, these gentle giants are heading into rivers, canals, and coastal areas.
A female manatee was caught relaxing in the shallows of the headwater at Silver River State Park on Sunday January 27, 2025, in Silver Springs, FL. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Boaters and personal watercraft users should wear polarized sunglasses to spot manatee “footprints,” described by FWC as round, swirling patterns on the surface – and keep an eye out for snouts breaking through the water. Always give them plenty of space and follow manatee protection zones, which are in effect April 1 through November 15.
Boat strikes remain a leading cause of manatee deaths, so respecting slow-speed zones isn’t just the law – it’s a way to protect Florida’s beloved sea cows.
If you spot a distressed or injured manatee, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888.404.FWCC (3922). For more tips, maps, and resources, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee.
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