Local Manatee Sightings Unusual, But They Do Occur

OCEAN CITY — A manatee sighting in the coastal bays near Sunset Marina on Wednesday was not as rare as some might believe for this time of year, but nonetheless the National Aquarium animal rescue team is advising those who spot the far-ranging sea cow to give it plenty of distance and report its location.

On Wednesday evening, a manatee was spotted in the back bays near West Ocean City, and while it is somewhat unusual to see the mammals this far north at this time of year, it certainly isn’t unheard of. The National Aquarium was advised of the manatee sighting and staffers were sent to the area to look for it so far out of its natural range to no avail.

“The National Aquarium was alerted of the sighting, however, our staff was unable to spot the animal in the places that were reported,” an aquarium spokesperson said on Thursday. “We ask the public to please report new sightings to the aquarium’s stranding hotline at 410-576-3880 and stay at least 150 feet away from the animal, including when in boats, paddleboards and kayaks.”

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