What happens if you hit a manatee

Remember, manatee calves usually remain dependent on the cows for up to 2 years. That means if a mother dies before weaning a calf, there is increased likelihood that the calf will not survive alone. So if you see such manatees, report immediately to the FWC. Never try to remove the transmitter even if the manatee is in danger of entanglement — the tags come off whenever the animals are trapped.

Someone harassing a manatee 2. Boaters speeding inside protected areas 3. Dead manatees — autopsy can still be done to determine the cause of death and the dangers manatees face. Report a sick, injured, stranded, orphaned or dead manatee in Florida by calling FWC Our Location:. Contact Info:. Phone : — Phone Toll Free : — info swimmingwiththemanatees. Manatee Snorkel Tours Excited to see manatees?

Once we have you properly fitted and instructed on what to expect from the tour, you will get acquainted with the lovable Captain Mike. Snorkel and Scalloping Hunt A fun treasure hunt you can do with friends and family.

Scallop hunting is an adventure of a lifetime. River Airboat Rides Take a thrilling ride along the Withalacoochee river and through the swamps looking for the Florida alligator. Manatee Tours 7 Days a Week Enjoy the sight of these docile creatures up close , as you swim with them along the streams of Crystal River, Florida. What do I do if I hit a manatee while boating or find a stranded, injured, or dead manatee?. Collisions with watercrafts is the largest cause of manatee mortality. But this often isn't enough.

In alone, manatees died from boat strikes in Florida, which is the highest number ever recorded, according to Golden. Golden believes that even this number is conservative, and that boats are killing more manatees than estimated.

It's particularly tragic when a boat kills a manatee with a milk-dependent baby. Some manatees who survive being struck by boats can be successfully rescued and rehabilitated. Others have simply learned to live with their injuries. Golden knows of one manatee who gets around without two-thirds of his tail - he's been aptly nicknamed "No Tail.

Amazing what these animals can survive - he still gets around just fine! It's estimated that 90 percent of Florida manatees bear scars from boat collisions. But it's not just boats that threaten the lives of manatee families. In recent years, algal blooms also known as "red tides" , caused by nutrient runoff from agriculture and water treatment plants, have created out-of-control algae growths that kill off the seagrass that manatees eat. If you see a stranded manatee, please report it to the agencies below.

Do not try to push it back in the water or move the manatee yourself. You can also download the free FWC Reporter app on your smartphone or tablet.

Click the following link to get information on how to report manatees to your local wildlife officials.